Friday, January 9, 2009

The President Is Coming (Review)

January 9th, 2009

Cast: Konkona Sen Sharma, Ira Dubey, Shernaz Patel, Namit Das, Vivek Gomber, Satchit Puranik, Shivani Tanksale, Anand Tiwari, Imran Rasheed

Director: Kunaal Roy Kapoor

'The President Is Coming' kick-starts the year with exactly the sort of lift we've been looking for-it's free-spirited, irreverent, and funny.

George Bush coming to India in 2006 was fact; what happens in the film is fiction-the anointing of one young Indian as the person who will shake Bush's hand. The 100 minute 'mockumentary', the first out of Bollywood, takes a series of savagely hilarious digs at the whole I-want-to-get-to-America-at-any-cost thing--- the lust for green cards, H1-B visas, truckloads of greenbacks. It also tells you that hey, India may not be such a bad place, after all.

The six short-listed candidates are put through their paces by a two-woman PR agency (Shernaz-Shivani), and the race to the finish line is peppered with smart characterization : a Bengali novelist who is passionate about tribal midgets (Konkona), a Delhi heiress to a cosmetic company and a complete daddy's girl (Ira), a Marathi 'manoos' who's a delish combo of a language fascist/ social worker/ anti-capitalist (Puranik), a South Indian software nerd who publicly slobbers over the female sex to hide his gay self (Das), a Gujju stock-loving fellow who thinks the Ambanis are the richest guys in the world (Tiwari), and an accent-trainer from Gurgaon who's dying to get back home (Gomber). And that's, of course, the US.

The tough part about doing regional types is the stereotypes you can drown your characters in. But debutant director Kunaal Roy Kapoor and writer Anuvab Pal, who were involved with the smash-hit play of the same name that ran in Mumbai last year, make sure there are enough sharply-observed quirks to keep us amused.

I'm like, Archana, and like, that's my pathetic boy-friend-Ira Dubey's stinking rich Dilliwali is pitch-perfect. So is Anand Tiwari's superb Kapil Dev Dholakia who thinks everything can be bought, even hand-shaking contests which play out like Reality TV, and who probably counts stocks instead of sheep, in bed.

There are several little gaps in the gag-a-minute pace, where things lapse, making attention wander. But the curve never flattens enough to flatline. 'The President Is Coming', produced by Rohan Sippy, picks up from where it left off, and you're laughing again. Is a new wave in Bollywood coming.

All work, no play for Hrithik on 35th birthday



January 9th, 2009

One would expect superstar Hrithik Roshan to celebrate his 35th birthday Saturday with gusto, but instead he plans to sweat it out while shooting for his father’s next production “Kites” in Mumbai.”Hrithik is shooting for his film ‘Kites’ at present. His birthday is another working day for him and so he will be shooting that day too. He is in Mumbai as of now,” a source close to the actor told IANS.

The superstar has good reasons to celebrate his birthday.

He scorched the silver screen as Mughal emperor Akbar in Ashutosh Gowariker’s epic romance “Jodhaa Akbar” and even had a new addition in his family with the birth of his second son Hridaan.

Hrithik also underwent a critical but successful knee surgery in the US and spent nearly two months recovering from it. But now he is fit and fine.

Year 2008 will surely remain a fond memory for Hrithik.

In terms of releases, apart from “Jodhaa Akbar”, he made just one special appearance in a song in his “Krazzy 4″, but his charisma never faded.

He will be back in the league soon with two releases lined up this year as of now.

While the first to hit theatres Jan 30 would be Zoya Akhtar’s directorial debut “Luck By Chance”, which has Hrithik in a cameo as a superstar, “Kites” is tentatively scheduled for a June release.

“Kites”, directed by Anurag Basu, is being touted as featuring Hrithik’s most sensuous role till date. He stars opposite US-based Spanish model Barbara Mori.

“Kites” is about an Indian boy’s romantic affair with a Latino girl and their predicament as they do not understand each other’s language.

“Hrithik and Barbara sizzle together. This is Hrithik’s most sensuous film to date. The focus here is not only on his dancing skills, but also on his ability to generate sensuality which has so far remained largely under wraps, the chemistry with Aishwarya Rai in ‘Dhoom 2′ notwithstanding,” said the source.

“In ‘Kites’, Basu has shot another more sensuous side of Hrithik,” added the source.

Besides this, well-known filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali has also recently announced that he has roped in the actor for his next venture along with Aishwarya.

If the project takes shape, it would be Hrithik-Aishwarya’s third film together after they created wonders in “Dhoom 2″ and “Jodhaa Akbar”.

Harman Baweja and Amrita Rao in Love?



January 9th, 2009

The big news doing the rounds is that Priyanka Chopra and boyfriend Harman Baweja have broken up.

But the bigger news is that Harman has got closer to his ‘Victory’ co-star Amrita Rao.

So much so that they find it very hard to spend time apart.

The inside info is that they got close while shooting and that’s why there’s a rift between Harman and Priyanka.

Harman and Priyanka are shooting for ‘What’s Your Rashee’.

According to close sources, Amrita drops in to meet Harman there too.

The source says, “Amrita drops in on the sets of ‘What’s Your Rashee’ and then both Harman and Amrita leave together to hang out at a cafĂ©. Amrita and Harman get along very well. He might be on the sets with Priyanka, but he often chats endlessly on the phone with Amrita. That’s not all!.Harman has also been sending flowers to Amrita, when both of them are not together. Priyanka Chopra is aware of this blossoming camaraderie.”

Reportedly they go out together in the presence of Priyanka but strangely the desi girl is quiet about it. God alone knows what’s on earth she’s thinking. Maybe she wants to be over Harman soon too.

But as of now another big question is whether being with Hrithik clone Harman is good for good girl Amrita as well. We’ll have to wait and watch.

Nandana Sen learns martial arts



January 9th, 2009

Nandana Sen is in news once again! After having created ripples in Rang Rasaiya the actress has signed yet another interesting venture. A tips film with Vivek Oberoi being directed by Kukkee Gulati. “My character in this film is in complete contrast to what I did in Rang Rasaiya. It was a challenge for me to take up Gulati’s film.”

Describing her role Nandana said, “I play an undercover cop in the film. And I really had to train myself for it. I had to learn Taikwondo and other forms of martial arts too. I learnt to shoot a real gun too. It was quite an experience.”

The role and the stunt scenes have changed Nandana’s outlook completely. “The physical action has changed my body language. Also earlier I used to fear being in crowded places. My stunt scenes have helped me over come that fear. Even a pointing a gun at an adversary is such an aggressive job. The combat training really helped me come out of my shell. Now I feel less vulnerable in crowds.”

Sherlyn Chopra’s great fall in Amritsar



January 9th, 2009

Shrelyn Outrageous Chopra met with a grave accident while shooting for a Yashraj Film in Chandigarh. The actress cum singer banged her head against the sharp edge of a wall. It caused a huge red bump to appear on her forehead. It also caused her immense pain.

A unit member revealed, “Sherlyn is very vivacious and bubbly by nature. She does not like to sit at one place and ends up playing games after pack-up. Sherlyn is an expert at badminton and swimming. At times to unwind she also likes to indulge in games like hide and seek that are usually played by children. Shrelyn was playing with her staff in the hotel lobby and that’s when the accident happened. She was too shocked to react initially. Sherlyn was also very conscious of the bump that had occurred on her forehead.”

Sherlyn requested the director Anurag Singh to give her three days off and not shoot with her till the bump settled down. But when Anurag briefed on the modern technology of make-up that could conceal bumps to a great extent Sherlyn agreed to shoot.

“But from that day Shrelyn has vowed that she will never play outdoor games and will indulge in only indoor games to entertain herself.” What games does Sherlyn play indoors? Your guess is as good as mine.

Asin has no plans of shifting to Mumbai



January 9th, 2009

Ghajini actress Asin who was supposed to be shifting her base from South to Mumbai after the success of her film has denied the rumors.

According to sources she has bought a flat in Bandra but that is because whenever she comes down to Mumbai for a shoot she can stay in her own flat. As the actress is said to be very independent types, she does not want to take any favors from anyone, hence she has bought a place for herself. As far as her shifting is concerned she loves to stay down South with her mom and her family so as of now she has no such plans.

“She will be staying here in Mumbai for shooting any of her assignments or for signing of films. As it is difficult to stay in a hotel all the time she has bought this house. But moving completely to Mumbai will not happen because it would make it difficult for her to take up projects in the south,” the source said.

Currently Asin is shooting for London Dreams, one of the biggest movies this year. It stars Salman Khan and is being directed by Vipul Shah, after that she has a major assignment in the south with Kamaal Hasan, whose shooting is in Chennai.

But according to confirmed sources, Asin will have to move to Mumbai, coz once her film London dreams is a hit all the producers are not going to let go of her and she would have to reconsider her decision coz when it comes to the money part of it Bollywood definitely has bigger and better packages from the ones in south.

Bad luck Govind Review



January 9th, 2009

Movie Review: Bad Luck Govind; Cast: Gaurav Kapoor, Hrishita Bhatt, Govind Namdeo, Parmeet Sethi and Archana Puran Singh; Director: Varun Khanna; Rating: * - Avoid your bad luck by avoiding it.

The film tells the story of an unlucky bloke Govind (Gaurav) whose bad luck runs so strong that it immediately passes on to those around him. Not only cows stop giving milk if he passes a tabela, people fall of their bicycles, men also lose their manhood if he is around. Working as a production assistant in TV channel based in Delhi, he gets fed up of his forever running bad luck and to change it for the better heads to Mumbai.

On arrival as expected, his luggage gets stolen and to earn some quick money he decided to go for sperm donation. Here he meets Dr. Anu (Hrishita). He also encounters a wannabe actor Vishal (Amit Mistry) who helps him move ahead. Vishal introduces to a local bookie Kapoor (Parmeet Sethi) and thus begins Govind’s journey into the hands of wrong people who decide to misuse his bad luck for their own good. What it leads Govind too and how at the end Govind realizes his luck is not really that bad at all forms rest of the film.

On the concept level, the film works well, but sadly it does not reflect when transformed on screen. Though the initial few minutes are engaging and have some freshness, as the film proceeds, it ends up being a never ending torture. On the technical front it’s a royal mess what with tacky sets, bad music, pathetic production values and top it all bad direction by Varun Khanna.

Even on the acting level, no one really impresses. VJ turned actor Gaurav Kapoor simply is no hero material. Hrishita Bhatt fails to impress. Govind Namdeo repeats his same act for the umpteenth time and Vrajesh Hirjee irritates. Amit Mistry is fair but Archana Puran Singh in heavy cleavage showing role hardly has any role. Parmeet Sethi is okay.

The film a complete waste of time and not worth even catching on a DVD or a movie channel and you gottta be really unlucky to encounter it.

Big B inspires blogging



January 9th, 2009

Vivek Sharma the director of ‘Bhoothnath’ has begun blogging after being inspired by the superstar.

Now Big B’s blog has been a hit with people from around the world. After the likes of KJO and RGV it has also inspired Vivek Sharma to start blogging.

The director is currently wrapping up ‘Kal Kisne Dekha’, the launchpad of Jacky Bhagnani, son of producer Vashu Bhagnani and Manmohan Desai’s niece Vaishali Desai but he finds time to blog now.

He’s said, “It’s Bachchan who inspired me to write a blog. He started blogging during the making of ‘Bhoothnath’. It is interesting to express yourself and connect with people on the blog. Bigadda is also very qualitative.”

He’s added, “I am sharing my experiences, inspirations, trends in film making, inviting aspiring actors to get in touch with me. I hope to get good fresh actors whom I can cast in my forthcoming films.”

Vivek is also in the process of setting up his production house - Film Zone, and he plans to make a film with Big B early in 2010. This film has been tentatively titled ‘Buddham Sharanam Gachchami’ and will tackle the issue of peace and violence in a novel way.

Celina Jaitley at London’s ‘City Pavilion’ Bash



January 9th, 2009

The City Pavilion in Romford (London) hosted one of the most spectacular New Year events for 2008. Amazing food, wine, cocktails and entertainment filled this 007 themed night.

Bollywood Princess Celina Jaitley, India’s latest award winner playback singer Javed Ali, and UK’s own very talented Rishi Rich and project of, DJ Krash, H-Dhami, Mumsy, Veronica and Tasha Tah rocked an amazing night hosted by Ameet Channa.

In true 007 fashion, people who attended this sell out night saw the beautiful Celina Jaitley arrive in a sleek Aston Martin in true Bond Style, wearing a very elegant evening gown. Celina spoke and interacted with the guests at the lavish event before counting down to midnight and seeing in the New Year.

Celina added “I felt like James Bond. It was a black tie event with the women dressed in gowns. I did the countdown to the accompaniment of Bond’s signature tune with a gigantic confetti-filled crystal ball- as seen in his films - being busted to the tunes of Happy New Year. At such events you realize the reach of Bollywood it was great to interact with the Hindi-Movie buffs. The night and event was amazing, and as always London and the people are so warm, loving and supportive.”

She said 2008 was a good year but ended with sadness after the Mumbai attacks. In 2009 she revealed she hopes to get her pilots license and spoke of some of new and exciting film projects.

Javed Ali performed live with his band, and after midnight DJ Krash, Rishi Rich and project took over ending with H-Dhami making everyone dance till they drop in the venues banqueting main suite.

Rishi Mashru MD of The Millennium Group and City Pavilion said “it an evening people will remember, and that was the whole idea”. The venue is set on three floors with other suites and state of the art lighting and sound as well as restaurants and bowling alleys.

Zaf Mughal of Carving Dreams Entertainment added “all the artistes gave it their all and it really showed.”

Rishi and Zaf have a number of similar exciting events planned for 2009.

Stars pledge support for a cause



January 9th, 2009

We have heard about actors pledging support for various causes and the latest to join the bandwagon are Gautam Kapur and Prashant Chainani. The young actors from the film ‘42kms’ pledged their support at a recent Global Warming awareness programme at NM College. Considering Global Warming is a serious cause of concern and needs immediate remedial measures. The two actors not only shared their views and thoughts, but had some equally clever ideas to reduce its detrimental effects. Apparently both the young actors expressed that they strongly feel about this cause and offer their whole hearted support.

Prashant Chainani who is plays a happy go lucky college boy in the film ‘42 km’ is of the opinion that this is an important issue and he will do whatever it takes to do away with this threatening menace. Sharing his views his co-actor Gautam Kapur said, “As a responsible citizen I feel simple changes in our lifestyle can make a huge difference like: switching off our electrical appliances when not in use, avoid spilling fuel from the car tank, car-pooling when traveling long distances.

After all small changes do make a big difference.

Shwetha Menon on Dancing Queen, Movies and her Kamasutra Ad



January 9th, 2009

Shwetha Menon is out of the reality show, Dancing Queen. We get into a chat with her. She tells us about her elimination from Dancing Queen, her future projects, her B grade films and the Kamasutra Ad which made her famous.

You got eliminated in Dancing Queen. What went in your mind that time?
What do you think can go on my mind that time? (laughs). Somewhere down the lane I had got a zest of it that something is going to go wrong. So I was mentally prepared for it. I did speak to Bhoomika also about it before the elimination. We both were just hoping that something good happens and we get a chance to stay in the show. I felt bad because I had some aspirations in life which unfortunately could not be fulfilled.


Do you think the judges have been impartial to you or anyone in anyway? What opinion do you have about the judges?
I don’t want to say that anyone was impartial or anything like that, but yes, there was a lot of expectation from us. I really don’t know the reason for this.

Talking about my opinion about the judges then I would say that performing in front of Hemaji was like a dream come. She is a renowned classical dancer and I love classical dance. So it felt beautiful being praised by her. As for Jituji, everyone knows he is a legend and everything from his walk to his talk is certainly legendary. He really knows how to pamper.


What will you miss the most in Dancing Queen?
I will certainly miss each and everything in Dancing Queen. It was my first reality show and I really never thought that I would be eliminated so soon. It really feels bad, but I guess that was destined to be.


Who do you think should be eliminated in your place?
See it is a competition so I would like if others get eliminated so that my chances of winning becomes strong (laughs). I will not pin point anyone. The truth is that I am out of the show and that needs to be digested well.


Do you think this show will now help you in getting more roles in films?
I didn’t do this show to get a role in any film or show. There were no such calculations involved. I was doing films in the south. I feel whatever happens, happens for good.


After getting eliminated you said that ‘luck plays a bigger role in dance performances’. What made you say that? Weren’t you confident of yourself?

I realized that everything does not depend on one thing. Everybody gave in their best and deserved to be winners. We all were great dancers. It is just a matter of luck. Luck I say really plays a big and vital role in each one’s life, be it dancing or singing or anything.


So are you open to more reality shows now?
Off course I am. I had loved being a part of Dancing Queen and will take more reality shows as they come my way. It is good to be yourself. It is a good medium to portray yourself.


Shifting from Dancing Queen to your pasts. You started your career with Anaswaram (1991), which was a Malayalam movie. After that you jumped to modeling. Why so? Didn’t you feel like pursuing your career in acting?
Not bad, you did a full research on me (laughs). I had done a couple of movies that time. After my school days I jumped into modeling and took it very seriously when I became Miss. India. I had already done four movies by that time. Actually I was too young, too thin and everyone said I was not meant for films.


Your modeling career was good enough as you were the 2nd Runner Up in Miss Asia Pacific 1994 and also became Gladrags Supermodel in 1994. How does it feel thinking about it?
It feels great you see. Even after 13 years entering into a competition through a reality show and competing is something no less than an achievement.


You became famous by your Kamasutra Ad, which depicted you in many different positions. Were you comfortable doing that?
See, it was like just 4 pictures in the entire ad. It was more towards the Kerala side that people reacted because I happen to be a Kerala Mallu girl. That time I was in Bombay and my parents were the one who tackled the situation and handled it. My parents were aware of what I was doing and they supported me fully. It was not for the condom ad that they supported me but it was because that they believed in me, and in whatever I was doing. That time the condom awareness was very low and if you see, nowadays anybody and everybody is endorsing such ads. I did it 10 years back in I guess 1998, so it is not very much old. So the mentality of people changes with time. I won’t say that it was like a taboo that time but lesser number of people supported me.


You have acted in many good reputed films like Bandhan (1998), Khatron Ke Khiladi (2001), Asoka (2001), Pran Jaye Par Shaan Na Jaye (2003), Maqbool (2004), Corporate (2006). Why never a lead role?
Hey, that’s good na (laughs). Something is better than nothing (laughs again). Basically I am not all that media savvy. I don’t have a PR, or a secretary. Whatever I have done is my hard work. I believe in being comfortable. I was really comfortable with whatever I was doing that time. I got many offers but I chose that role which made me comfortable, be that any role.


You as well acted in many B grade flicks like Market (2003), Bazaar (2004), Topless (2005), Bad Friend (2005). What made you do such films?
It is sad to hear that all these films was listed in A category. For instance take topless movie which was made by Nabh Kumar Raju, the man who introduced Govinda and Urmila. Topless film as the name suggests was not as the title suggests. It was a film on breast cancer. Sometimes you intend to make a good film but to advertise and promote it, it becomes entirely different from what it was scheduled to be. I was not happy with the makers of these films as my intentions were good, but they marketed me in a wrong way which I guess even spoiled my name in the Industry. I cannot take the responsibility of the entire film.


What is your opinion on skin show?
I guess I have shown the maximum skin I could have in all these movies. I cannot go beyond that. See, one cannot show her skin on a daily basis. There are certain parameters involved. A bikini is more than enough for me.


What kind of roles are you looking out for in movies?
I don’t know if you have any clue of what kind of Malayalam films I am doing. I am genuinely doing good films done there. I end up getting creative satisfaction in south films but I get the glamorous side of mine in Mumbai. So I am trying to balance both the aspects.


Your future projects?
I am doing one film with Jagmohan Mundra co staring Anuj Saxena. There is another film I am doing titled ‘Morning Walk’ with Anupam Kher. Then there are two more films but will let you know about them later.

Kaash Mere Hote Review



January 9th, 2009

Movie Review: Kaashh…Mere Hote; Cast: Introducing Kumar Saahil, Sneha Ullal, Sanna Mirza and Rajesh Khanna; Director: B.H. Tharun Kumar; Rating: 0 - Neither now or ever.

Krish (Kumar) and Radhika (Sneha) are in love. For a work assignment, Krish has to go to Mauritius where he becomes a tenant at retired Col. Patra’s (Rajesh Khanna) villa. While Col. Patra is blind, his daughter Piya (Sanna) falls in love at first sight with Krish. While Krish doesn’t seem interested as he is committed to Radhika, Piya’s love for Krish starts turning obsessive ala Darr (1993). Things change for the worse when Radhika starts using her superpowers to overcome whatever comes in between her and Krish. How the couple fights back Piya forms rest of the film.

This female version of Darr is not worth even a review. This ridiculously scripted film has disaster written all over it. Not a single thing is worth a merit. The lead pair of Kumar Sahil and Sneha not only grates on your nerves, its completely obvious while watching them that they don’t know what acting is all about. The babe on hyper hormones Sanna Mirza is to be seen to be disbelieved! We just hope its her first and last film. With those weird expressions she deserved a full on role of a monster in a horror flick! Rajesh Khanna thankfully doesn’t get lusty like her or in Wafaa but still irritates with his pathetic attempts to act. Johnny Lever, an otherwise loveable comedian is sheer torture in here! His whole comedy track simply has no connection to the film and we fail to understand why the choosy actor took up this role which shows him in such a disgraceful act.

The director B.H. Tharun Kumar a former ace choreographer who had earlier directed an enjoyable comedy like Nayi Padosan has got it all wrong this time. His lack of direction is visible in every frame.

Produced by music director Shravan of Nadeem-Shravan fame, this film has music by his sons, the duo Sanjeev-Darshan. But even they fail miserably to give even a single good song.

Our advice is to simply stay away from this film now and forever.

Celina Jaitley turns stripper in ‘Showman’



January 9th, 2009

She kicked off with a bold role of a pole dancer in her debut film, Janasheen and now once again this glam doll will be seen in quite a bold role. Celina plays a stripper in night club in Tigmanshu Dhulia’s forthcoming film Showman.

Though it’s not a surprise for her fans, Celina has always been playing glamorous roles. Speaking about her role she says, “I am playing half English and half Indian girl. She is daughter of an English man who’s married to an Indian woman. This girl unfortunately comes from a very poor family background in London. She is grown up to be a stripper in night club and a con artist. She just forces people to make money out of them. Basically her main aim is to own a night club so she is pretending to be a stripper.”

It can be recalled that Celina played a pole dancer in her debut film. “Yeah but there I was a cop who pretends to be a pole dancer. I was an undercover cop. Everyone comes to know at the end of the movie that I am an undercover cop. And here I am again pretending to be a stripper but not one actually I am just trying to get all the girls to work for my club.”

Apart from Celina it stars Govinda, Celina and Rimi Sen in main leads. It’s produced by Reel Life Productions. This film has been shot in UK.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan turns towards politics?



January 9th, 2009

The buzz is that chances are Aishwarya Rai Bacchan would turn towards politics. Apparently efforts are on to persuade the ethereally beautiful actress to enter politics.

If all goes well, she could contest in the forthcoming parliamentary elections that are due in a couple of months.

Now we all know that Bachchan’s have a strong connection with the Samajwadi Party and that Amar Singh is a close family friend.

Ash’s mum-in-law Jaya Bachchan is currently a member of the Parliament on the Samajwadi ticket. The party is trying to rope in other B-town candidates and field them against top politicians.

Sanjay Dutt could contest against the former Prime Minister Vajpayee from the Lucknow constituency.

Action shifts from Kerala to MP for Ravana



January 9th, 2009

Mani Ratnam’s Ravana shoot has now shifted from the jungles of Kerala to interiors of Madhya Pradesh. Abhishek Bachchan along with Aishwarya Rai is presently in Jhansi for this final schedule of the Mani Ratnam film.

Sources reveal, “The film was planned to be shot in three main locations, the interiors of Kerala, Chennai and in some virgin locations in interiors of Madhya Pradesh. Each location was selected after having done a thorough research about it as it was necessary for the script. The Madhya Pradesh locations were kept undisclosed even for some members involved in the making of the film.

Though presently stationed at Jhansi, Abhishek will be heading towards the Betwa river for shooting some action scenes and later Aishwarya will join him for shoot to be taken place in and around Orcha area. This entire schedule will last around 20 days following which all the shooting portions for the film shall get over and post-production will begin. The film has already been delayed due to the illness of Amitabh Bachchan and his subsequent hospitalization in October. Mani is hoping for a summer release of the film in three languages – Hindi, Tamil and Telugu.”

Konkona Sen’s not playing a lesbian yet



January 9th, 2009

There was a general feeling that Konkona Sen-Sharma is playing a lesbian in her new film ‘The President Is Coming’.

But the truth is something else. It’s not at all like Shabana Azmi and Nandita Das’s serious take on lesbianism in ‘Fire’.

It’s actually more like ‘Dostana’. Konkona’s character pretends to be a lesbian to get her own way.

She informs, “The President Is Coming is a very funny mock-documentary I cracked up when I was doing it. It’s a marketing strategy for the film, and I don’t mind. The film’s release got postponed because of 26/11. I was in Rajasthan when it happened, and was really very worried when I saw the news on TV. So, though I was lucky not to be harmed, I was shocked and disgusted…The film didn’t matter at that moment. But my other film Dil Kabbaddi got released, soon after the 26/11 incident. Some people liked the film, but not too many, I admit.”

Though she worked throughout the whole of last year, she didn’t have too many releases. It’s because Rituparno Ghosh’s ‘Sunglass’ and ‘The President Is Coming’ got delayed.

She’s a lot to look forward to with the ‘The President Is Coming’ and ‘Luck By Chance’.

She adds, “Now I’ve Zoya Akhtar’s Luck By Chance. Zoya had written the script so long ago. She knew what she wanted. I play a starlet. It’s quite funny. My character is the lead in B-graders and is also the ‘hero ki behen’. I had to keep dressing in different costumes. While one day I was a junior artiste of the 1930’s, the very next day I was a nurse! Like Farhan’s character, I too play a struggler in my own right.”

She has ‘Wake Up Sid’ with Ranbir Kapoor in June. She says it’s the impact of a role and the director that matters to her more than anything else.

Looks like Koko is and will always try to remain unique and unusual.

Amitabh Bachchan's Biography 'Bachchanalia'



January 8th, 2009

The living legend and superstar of Bollywood Amitabh Bachchan relives the last 40 years of his journey in Indian Cinema with his new biography titled ‘Bachchanalia’is penned by eminent film journalist Bhawana Somaya. The biography is published by Neville Tuli, the father of Pioneerings arts institution Osina’s founded in the year 2000. The biography tells about Big B’s journey in the industry and also focuses on the evolution in Indian cinema along with anecdotes, trivia and snippets of a few of Bachchan’s popular films.

His family members including Abhishek and Aishwariya got together for releasing ‘Bachchanalia’ and Aamir was invited as the guest of honor to launch the book. Filmmaker Yash Chopra was the chief guest at the grand event. ‘Bachchanalia’ got launched in style on January 3, 2009 at Tata theatre. At event, Aamir was all praises for Big B and spoke in glowing terms about the superstar of millennium.

Well, it seems that with 'Bachchanalia', Amitabh has achieved yet another milestone in his career.

Aamir Khan’s good Samaritan act



January 9th, 2009

Knowing how perfect and choosy Aamir Khan is, it was a pleasant surprise for producer Sunil Bohra when Aamir himself offered to be on his show Face the Review on Zoom for the second time. Aamir was first called for the review of Ghajini and the actor liked the format of calling a star on the first day first show of the film and having a one-on-one interaction with the audiences, that he wanted to return to the show for the yearly winding up.

And he very much deserved to be on the show again because his latest blockbuster Ghajini had made unprecedented business in the day of recession and tough times. While Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi made big time moolah while all the other films were flopping, Ghajini wasn’t to be left behind either. When everyone wants to save up each and every penny, Aamir’s fans flocked to the theatres to see Ghajini. And who can forget Aamir’s look being copied by young guns of India. So Face the Review re-invited Aamir.

But when Aamir came for the shooting of the episode, Bohra knew that something was amiss, since Aamir looked a bit worked up. Then it was revealed that Aamir witnessed the accident of an 83-year-old Moti Jhangiani by two motorcycle riders. But, unlike others, Aamir wasn’t just a witness, he had his security guards take Jhangiani to a hospital and was constantly in touch with them over the phone. Even amidst all the fanfare, Aamir hasn’t forgotten to be a gentleman and a good human being.

Bachchans team-up for ‘Pink Panther’ premiere



January 9th, 2009

The buzz is that Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and hubby Abhishek Bachchan will walk the red carpet along with Jaya and Amitabh Bachchan for the premiere of her international film ‘Pink Panther’ in New York on February 4.

A source confirms, “Amitabh, Abhishek and Aishwarya have had busy schedules. ‘Pink Panther’s première is an occasion for the senior Bachchans to be with Aishwarya in happier times and to show their love and support as parents. Due to Aishwarya’s ‘Pink Panther’ shooting schedule at Boston and Abhishek’s Dostana schedule, the family was unable to spend quality time together. Now the Bachchans are eagerly looking forward to the trip as their family will be together in New York.”

Well, the lucky Bachchans have another chance to display their family unity. Very interesting, indeed!

Former ATS chief A.A. Khan to lead anti piracy campaign for Bollywood

January 9th, 2009

Bollywood’s leading production houses - Yash Raj Films, UTV, Eros International, Shemaroo and Moser Baer have now come together to fight video piracy. They are in the process of forming a committee which will be led by former ATS chief, A.A. Khan.

A.A. Khan was also seen in a brief role in Shootout At Lokhandwala based on the infamous encounter of gangster Maya Dolas led by Khan himself. The committee formed to combat piracy will comprise of retired police officers. While the effort, if taken to its logical conclusion, is laudable, it is worth noting here that at the very outset itself, this enterprise looks still-born.

To imagine that the industry would re­main united in its battle against piracy is still an idealistic situation. One can recall, years back, producers like B.R. Chopra, Pramod Chakravorty and many other top names of the industry had started an association to themselves deal in the video rights of their films. But that time even the initial contribution was difficult to get from the promoters themsel­ves! Need­less to add, the association closed down before it could be started.

The only thing everybody in this industry seems to be united about is to not remain united. When such is the mood, can this new committee to arrest piracy arrest any producer’s attention so seriously as to make some headway? Your guess is as good as ours.

Fitness Freak Salman’s burger date with Katrina Kaif



January 8th, 2009

Salman and Katrina were spotted at the Mac Donald’s for a burger date - could it be the recession? Come on, Sallu bhai can do better.

It’s actually after a recent trip to Salman’s Panvel farmhouse that the couple were said to be returning to Mumbai when they felt the need to stop for some fast food as they both were hungry.

The moment their fans saw the land cruiser waiting outside Mac Donald’s they rushed to them for photographs and autographs. Sallu and Kat willingly entertained their fans and their quick stop at the fast food joint resulted in a long wait. However, the great pair without complaining gave in to the wishes of their fans. Now that’s why Sallu and Kat are our favourites.

Yuvraj Singh gets emotional on Comedy Circus – Chinchpokli to China








January 8th, 2009

Comedy Circus – Chinchpokli to China wouldn’t have asked for a better opening! The National icon Yuvraj Singh performed one the very first day. Apart from the fact that he made the audience laugh buckets, his fans also got to witness his other serious side- he got emotional when his mother was mentioned. It so happened that Yuvraj Singh was asked to comment on some pictures he was shown on screen. He happily went ahead giving trivia on the pictures of his team mates but finally there was this picture where he was with his mother and Yuvi suddenly was silent. He got a little emotional and said…”she is everything to me and it is because of her that I have come so far”.

Well, we have always heard what a mama’s boy Yuvraj is but this Saturday watch for yourself when he wears his heart on his sleeve for his mother only on Comedy Circus – Chinchpokli to China, January 10, 2009 at 9.30 p.m. only on Sony Entertainment Television.

Singer Shaan’s super surprise



January 8th, 2009

“Yeh tera ghar, yeh mera ghar,” is the song that Shaan is busy humming these days. The singer has moved to a plush new home in Bandra along with his family. There’s more wait! Besides the new home Shaan also got a new car and it isn’t any car… it’s a Red Mercedes. “Actually it was Radhika, Shaan’s wife, who gifted him a Mercedes. She surprised him with it as his Birthday gift. Shaan was busy shooting for VOI when she just gave the surprise visit. Shaan just stared at the red mercedes with a dropped jaw when Radhika told him it was a gift from her to him. Its his first expensive car,” said a friend of Shaan’s.

Biography - Raveena Tandon





  • Date of Birth: 26 October, 1974
  • Place of Birth: Mumbai, Maharashtra , India
Biography Raveena Tandon is a National Film Award winning, Bollywood actress, producer, and a former model. Tandon made her acting debut with Patthar Ke Phool , and won a Filmfare Lux New Face Award for her performance in the film. During the 90s, she was a popular star and was part of several commercial successes such as Mohra , Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi and Ziddi , followed by many more, yet she was not particularly recognized as an actor though. However, she surprised critics and audiences in the early 2000s, when she ventured into more serious roles and turned to work in art and parallel cinema. She was highly acclaimed for her performances in films like Aks and Satta , and had the peak of her career in 2002, when she won the coveted National Film Award for Best Actress for her performance in Kalpana Lazmi's Daman: A Victim of Marital Violence .

During her time as an intern she got her first film offer from Shantanu Sheorey which she accepted. She attended Jamnabai Narsee School in Juhu and studied at Mithibai College. She completed her first and second years at the college but by the beginning of her third year, was in the same class as current actor Fardeen Khan. she was getting more film offers. She dropped out of college and decided to pursue her film career.

Raveena got her name from a combination of her father's name Ravi Tandon and mother's name Veena. Her father was a producer and director of some films in the 1970s and 1980s. She has a brother called Rajiv Tandon. Her first film Patthar Ke Phool (1991) was a hit, she received the Filmfare Lux New Face Award for her debut performance. Her next films Mohra (1994) and Dilwale (1994) were big hits at the box office whilst Laadla although an average performer, still earned her a Filmfare nomination as best supporting actress. Mohra was the second biggest hit of 1994. Her other releases of that year included the thriller Imtihaan and the comedy Andaz apna apna. The former was an average performer whilst the latter was unsuccessful at the box office but has since gained a strong cult following over the years. She reportedly got into a fight with her co-star Karisma Kapoor on the sets of the film. In 1995, she starred with Shahrukh Khan for the first time in Zamana Deewana, the film failed to do well. Her following films failed to do well at the box office and her career saw a drop in her success. Her career was back on track with hit films like Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi (1996) and Ziddi (1997), being big hits each of its respective year. In 1998, Tandon had eight releases. Her last release of that year Bade Miyan Chote Miyan co-starring Amitabh Bachchan and Govinda turned out to the second biggest hit of the year. Coincidentally, Tandon was offered the second lead in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai which went on to be the biggest hit of 1998, but she turned it down. Her other releases of that year were Gharwali Baharwali which gained a below average status and Vinashak, Pardesi Babu and Aunty No. 1 all of which were un-successful. In the 2000s, Tandon turned her career professionally. She went on to work more with art film directors and realistic cinema. It proved to be a good turning as films like Shool (1999), Bulandi (2000) and Aks (2001) won her huge acclaim. She won many awards as well as the Filmfare Special Performance Award for her performance in Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's Aks. Her years in the industry paid off when she won the coveted National Film Award for Best Actress for her performance in Kalpana Lazmi's Daman: A Victim of Marital Violence (2001), where she played a battered wife to an abusive husband. She surprised critics and audiences with her performance in the film and received much appreciation for her work. Critic, Taran Adarsh said "Raveena Tandon lends credibility to the role of a battered wife and walks away with the honours. The pathos she conveys through her expressions makes you realise that she's a performer of substance". Since then, she has starred in a number of critically acclaimed films, such as Satta (2003) and Dobara (2004), but has not had much box office success. Her role as a middle class woman thrust into the world of politics in the former was praised. Critic, Taran Adarsh wrote "Raveena Tandon delivers a bravura performance. The actress takes giant strides as a performer, giving the right touches to her character. Here's a performance that's bound to be noticed". Her role as a schizophrenic in Dobara was also praised with one critic saying, "Raveena is in sync with her character, essaying her part with elaan". Her last release was Sandwich in 2006 which opened to poor reviews and reception. She has not acted in films since. Tandon has produced the films Stumped (2003) and Pehchaan: The Face of Truth (2005), neither had much success at the box office.

She adopted two children Pooja and Chhaya as a single mother in the 1990s. Tandon previously dated actor Akshay Kumar from 1997 and they were set to be engaged, however they broke up soon after. Tandon began dating film distributor Anil Thadani during the making of her film Stumped (2003). Their engagement was announced in November 2003. She married Thadani on February 22, 2004 in Jag Mandir Palace in Udaipur, Rajasthan according to Sikh rites. She gave birth to a baby girl called Rasha on March 16, 2005. She gave birth to her second child, a boy, on July 12, 2007.

Biography - Twinkle Khanna


Little Twinkle Khanna




Twinkle Khanna with her son Aarav

Twinkle Khanna Profile :

Name: Twinkle Khanna
Birth Name: Tina Khanna
Birth Date: 29th December1974
Birth Place: Pune, Maharashtra, India
Height: 5' 4"
Sex: F
Nationality: Indian
Profession: Actress
Mother: Dimple Kapadia
Father: Rajesh Khanna
Husband: Akshay Kumar
Son: Arav Bhatia

Twinkle Khanna Biography :

Twinkle Khanna (born December 29, 1974 in Pune, India ) is an Indian film actress. She is the daughter of film stars Dimple Kapadia and Rajesh Khanna and sister of Rinke Khanna. Twinkle Khanna made her debut opposite Bobby Deol in "Barsaat" (1995). Though the film did not do well, she received the Filmfare Best Debut Award for her performance. She then went on to do many films which got her good reviews and recognition from the audience. She has acted with some of the best stars in the industry including Shahrukh Khan, Aamir Khan, Salman Khan and Govinda. Though not a very successful actress she managed to get recognition from critics. Her other notable film roles include the girl next door in "Jab Pyaar Kisise Hota Hai" (1998), the undercover spy along with Shahrukh Khan in "Baadshah" (1999) and the village belle in "Mela" (2000).

Twinkle Khanna left the industry after her marriage to Akshay Kumar and her last film was "Love Ke Liye Kuchh Bhi Karega" (2001), which was received averagely at the box office. She married actor Akshay Kumar on 14th January 2001. Their first child, a son named Arav Kumar was born on 15th September 2002. In 2002, Twinkle Khanna opened her own interior design store in Crawford Market, Mumbai called 'The White Window', in partnership with her long time friend Gurlein Manchanda. Twinkle Khanna recently did the interiors for Rani Mukherjee's new house. Since then the store has received the prestigious El Decor award, and Twinkle has opened up another branch of the flagship store elsewhere in Mumbai.

Twinkle Khanna Awards and Achievements :

Award: Filmfare Award Best Newcomer - Female for Barsaat
Year: 1996

biography - Saif Ali Khan



Saif Ali Khan with his wife Amrita Singh & two kids.


Soha Ali Khan - Saif's sister


Saif with his sister Saba Ali Khan

Saif Ali Khan is royalty, living life king size. He’s the brat we eyed with indulgence as he played actor-actor until he did a complete turnaround post Dil Chahta Hai and there’s no looking back as he juggles his revived career and lady love Kareena.

The Little Prince
Saif Ali Khan was born on the 16th August 1970 in New Delhi, India. His father’s Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, the Nawab of Pataudi and a former captain of the Indian cricket team. His mother is Sharmila Tagore, a Bengali actress in Bollywood who converted to Islam on getting married. She currently heads the Indian censorship board. He has two sisters Saba and Soha who is also an actress.

His familial connections are distinguished to say the least. Saif’s paternal grandfather was Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi who besides being the Nawab of Pataudi, was a cricket player, playing for England and India. His paternal grandmother was Sajida Sultan, the Begum of Bhopal. His great uncle was an Indian General Nawabzada Sher Ali Khan Pataudi. His mother is related to Rabindranath Tagore, a poet and Nobel laureate.

Saif Ali Khan studied at the Lawrence School, Sanawar and the Locker’s Park Prep School. His college years were spent in his father’s alma mater Winchester College, UK.

He married the much older Bollywood actress Amrita Singh in 1991 raising eyebrows. They had a daughter Sara and a son Ibrahim. They divorced in 2004. He was dating Rosa Catalano but that didn’t last long. While the media speculated on his new love interest, he walked the ramp with actress Kareena Kapoor at the Manish Malhotra fashion show during the Lakme India Fashion Week, officially confirming that the two were dating and it could definitely lead to more.

A Late Bloomer
1992 to 1998 Saif Ali Khan made his debut with the 1992 Yash Chopra directed Parampara opting out of the Kajol starrer Bekhudi. In 1993, he won the Filmfare Best Debut Award for Aashiq Awaara. Yeh Dillagi and Main Khiladi Tu Anari in 1994 were among the year’s biggest hits. The movies that he acted in over the next three years – Tu Chor Mein Sipahi, Keemat, Udaan, and Hamesha - didn’t really boost his reputation as a solid actor.

1999 to 2003
He played Dhananjay Pandit in Kacche Daage that was appreciated and as a photographer in a brief appearance in the comedy Biwi No.1. In 2000, he was in Kya Kehna with Preity Zinta in the role of her lover who abandons her when she gets pregnant. The family oriented Hum Saath Saath Hai brought trouble off screen when he was accused, along with some of the other members from the movie, to have hunted down Chinkaras that are an endangered species but was later acquitted.

He changed tracks in 2001 as he appeared in the comedy Love Ke Liye Kuchh Bhi Karega and then as Samir, who wears his heart on his sleeve, in Farhan Akhtar’s Dil Chahta Hai that changed the way people perceived him. It won him the Filmfare Best Comedian Award. Rehna Hai Tere Dil Mein, the remake of the Tamil movie Minale, also did well.

2003 to 2008
He won the Filmfare Best Supporting Actor Award for Kal Ho Na Ho in 2003 as well as the “Moto Look of the Year”. The year also saw him in Darna Mana Hai and LoC Kargil. In the 2004 movie Ek Hasina Thi he was the cold Karan Singh Rathod while his role in the light hearted Hum Tum with Rani Mukherji was in complete contrast and won him his second Filmfare Best Comedian Award as well as the National Film Award for Best Actor.

Each of his four releases in 2005 and 2006 – Parineeta, Salaam Namaste, Being Cyrus and Omkara - had him stretching his range as an actor. Parineeta received critical acclaim; Salaam Namaste was a romantic comedy around the new age relationship dilemmas; Being Cyrus was a critically acclaimed English language movie; Vishal Bharadwaj’s Omkara was an adaptation of Shakespeare’s Othello and Saif’s performance as Langda Tyagi was phenomenal. He won his first Filmfare Best Villain Award.

Compared to this success, his 2007 and 2008 releases didn’t overwhelm anyone. Race was a hit while Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic and Tashan with girlfriend Kareena failed. He also lent his voice to the animated movie Roadside Romeo.

Production No.1
Saif is producing and starring in Production No.1 with Deepika Padukone cast as his leading lady.