Abhi enjoys B'day with family

February 7th, 2009

Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan turned 33 on 5th February. Abhi joined Ash in New York where she was promoting her English film 'Pink Panther 2'. His parents Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya, who were recently in Davos and London, also joined the couple. At first the birthday boy parents were unsure about joining Abhi's birthday bash but later they managed to take part on their son's birthday celebrations. After the premiere of Pink Panther 2, they all had a gala time, all enjoyed Abhi’s birthday to the fullest.

The actor is having a hectic time for quite sometime now shooting for Mani Ratnam's Ravana in the deep jungle of Kochi with wife Ash. Abhishek is eagerly waiting for his forthcoming release Delhi 6 as the film is expected to turn around his career fully. Directed by Rakyesh Omprakash Mehra, Dehli 6 speaks about an incident in Delhi that transformed Abhishek's short trip to the longest journey of his life.

Veteran actors like Waheeda Rehman and Om Puri are also part of the film. Abhi paired with Saawariya gal Sonam Kapoor.

Lomani to launch Big B’s signature perfume

January 31st, 2009

More than film Big B is busy in endorsing brands these days. He is gearing up for the launch of his second signature perfume by French brand Lomani.

It is believed that Amitabh went to meet the designers in Paris recently. He is believed to have discussed the marketing strategy for the launch, which is due in nine months.

Reportedly his last Lomani perfume, floral-spicy blend was introduced in 2002. It was a huge hit.

The other Paris connection of Big B is that he was recently featured on the issue of L’Officiel Hommes. Designers Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla styled him in Louis Vuitton and well known photographer Ian McKell shot him in the beautiful city of Paris.

Big B Appreciates Akshay’s Performance in CC2C

January 30th, 2009

Superstar Amitabh Bachchan’s surprise visit to the premiere of film Chandni Chowk to China (CC2C)in London literally floored the action hero Akshay Kumar who was overwhelmed by the presence of the ‘Shahanshah’ of Bollywood.

Welcoming the “Big B”, Akshay Kumar said “I would like to invite Amitabh Bachchan whom I adore.”

Admiring the rapid progress made by Akshay as a leading Bollywood star, Bachchan said, “I am extremely proud of this young man. I have seen his growth from early days when he used to remain in the background to now when he is in the forefront of Indian cinema. It is a remarkable journey and we are proud of you.”

Prominent among those present at the near packed theater were industrialists, Lord Swraj Paul, Kartar Lalvani, the founder chairman of the Vitabiotics, Britain’s largest vitamin producing company and President of the Hinduja Group, G P Hinduja.

Bollywood star slams 'Slumdog'

January 16th, 2009

Bollywood star Amitabh Bachchan is criticizing the celebrated film "Slumdog Millionaire" for depicting India as a "Third World, dirty underbelly," the BBC said.

Directed by British filmmaker Danny Boyle,

the movie was the big winner at the Golden Globes in Los Angeles Sunday night. It also earned 11 BAFTA, Orange British Academy Film Awards, nods including one for best picture, when nominations were announced in London Thursday.

However, Bachchan -- an actor who has appeared in more than 140 movies and who served as host of the Indian version of "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?" for three years -- is not a fan of the movie, which is to open in India next week.

"If ('Slumdog Millionaire') projects India as (a) Third World, dirty underbelly developing nation and causes pain and disgust among nationalists and patriots, let it be known that a murky underbelly exists and thrives even in the most developed nations," Bachchan wrote in his blog. "It's just that the 'SM' idea authored by an Indian and conceived and cinematically put together by a Westerner, gets creative (Golden) Globe recognition. The other would perhaps not."

Amitabh Bachchan on Cover of L' Officiel Homme Magazine | Scan

January 15th, 2009
The Big B (Amitabh Bachchan) is on the cover of the first L' Officiel Homme. Styled by Abu Jaani, and shot in Paris, the issue is all about men and style. Go get it, guys.

AB Corp calls off Rs15 billion deal with Reliance BIG Entertainment's

January 14th, 2009

The recession has claimed another victim

Reliance BIG Entertainment's mega deal of Rs 15 billion with Amitabh Bachchan's AB Corp has fizzled out.

The two companies had entered into a contract in June 2008 to make feature films and TV serials. The first couple of films that the companies had finalised were Pa, directed by Balki and Dr. Chandraprakash Dwivedi's Kunal Avadana.

Our source from the industry reveals, "Reliance has been going through a major up and down for some time now. Most of the filmmakers making films with Reliance have been asked to cut costs.

Some of the films that Reliance is producing have been asked to rework on their budget, while price of some of the films they are distributing have also been reduced. Most of the films like Vashu Bhagnani's Do Knot Disturb and Kal Kissne Dekha, Ravi Chopra's Banda Yeh Bindaas Hai and many others have to be reconsidered by Reliance.

After the deal with Reliance fizzled out, AB Corp is all set to join hands with Studio 18 to make Pa with them. The deal with Pa is almost done while talks are also on for Kunal Avadana."

Another source elaborates, "The deal between AB Corp and Reliance is fallen through as Reliance was taking its own time and there was no clarity from their side as to when they wanted to start the film."

When contacted, the official spokesperson of Reliance said they did not wish to comment. However, Sandeep Bhargav of Indian Films (TV 18) says, "It is too premature to discuss anything."

Amitabh Bachchan remained unavailable for comment.

Akshay Invites Amitabh | akshay Kumar has invited Amitabh Bachchan for CC2C Premiere

January 12th, 2009

Akshay has from the start had a high regard for the Big B. He was the one who recently said unequivocally that Amitabh is the real king of Bollywood no matter what other stars go on proclaiming.

Now, Akshay wants Big B to be present at the London premiere of 'CC2C'. Akki personally called Big B to invite him. And since Amitabh is presently in London for make-up tests for his forthcoming venture Pa , it makes easy for him to attend the premiere.

Big B wrote on his blog: "Akshay called at 5.30 a.m. and said, 'CC2C is premiering at Leicester Square, London, on January 12. I shall be honoured if you could come and join us.' I told him I shall."

However, Akshay also cautioned Big B: "Just don't bring your brains and thinking cap along."

True indeed. 'CC2C' is a madcap comedy about a Chandni Chowk cook who is taken to China after being mistaken as the reincarnation of a warrior.

The film has already premiered at Los Angeles, New York and Toronto. London is the fourth destination of the grand international premiere. After this, the film will be showcased in Dubai and Bangkok. A Chinese premiere has been canceled.

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.

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.

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!

Amitabh Bachchan finally begins shoot for Aladdin

January 5th, 2009

Sujoy Ghosh’s Aladdin was supposed to be a Christmas day release but had got postponed because of Amitabh Bachchan, who plays Genie, could not find the time to shoot a few of his scenes. Now, finally after a three-month long delay, he has begun shooting for the film.

Confirming the reports, Sujoy states that they have indeed begun begun shooting with Mr. Bachchan. He further states, “We had been worried about the Bachchan dates. Because of his health and his other commitments, the film was pushed back.”

Ghosh further states, “Our worry was not about the completion of the film but for his health. Amitji is a very professional actor and we were confident that he’d keep his promise. Last October, things didn’t work out because of his health problem. It’s really great to see a senior actor get back to shape so quickly. We wanted to release the film during the Christmas season. But now we are planning on releasing it during the summer vacation (April-May, 09).”

Big B has also confirmed the shoot. In his blog, he has written, “The shooting of Aladdin beckons tomorrow (2nd Jan, 09). A song and the last days of the film. Shiamak Davar and his crew- Disciplined and worthy .

Big B has no sympathy for Ajmal Amin Kasab

January 6th, 2009

Ajmal Amin Kasab might be interested in meeting him but megastar Amitabh Bachchan has clearly said that he found the idea of meeting the lone terrorist caught alive in the Mumbai terror attack – ‘repulsive’.

He’s said, “I read news reports that during investigation he expressed a desire to meet me and watch my films. I wrote about it on my blog and sought views from fellow bloggers. Fifty per cent respondents felt that I should meet him while the remaining were against such an idea.”

He’s also explained why he felt so at the release of “Bachchanalia: The films and memorabilia of Amitabh Bachchan, “Considering the ruthlessness and mercilessness of the carnage there is repulsion.”

Well, young Kasab might be trying to gain the sympathy of all and sundry by flaunting the sad situations in his growing up years. But it’ll be a while before people like Big B relent and get ready to forgive him for such a horrible carnage.