Amisha Patel is Kohl’s cover girl this month!

February 7th, 2009

Amisha Patel is on a cover spree! After polishing the covers of style magazines such as Verve and Man’s World, Patel features on the cover of UAE's first and only women's lifestyle magazine, Kohl this month! Her transformation from the girl-next-door to the glamorous diva has brought her a lot of appreciation.

As she speaks with the magazine, Amisha says that throughout the past eight years in the industry she learnt not to take success or failure too seriously and not let it to affect her life. “Believe in yourself and follow the path of honesty because there are no shortcuts in life,” she says. Clicked by Avinash Gowarikar’s camera lens, the actress revealed that her grandmother Sushila Gokhale Patel is her idol, “Her values and stories are something I want to pass on to my children.”

This issue of Kohl offers a very interesting view on how Amisha, the person, is like, her interaction with the finest minds such as Indira Gandhi, being the head girl at school and later an economic analyst!

Dev D Review

February 7th, 2009

New Delhi: Cast: Abhay Deol, Mahi Gill, Kalki Koechlin, Dibyendu Bhattacharya

Director: Anurag Kashyap

Back when love was a compendium of silences and sighs, Devdas was an icon. These days, when it's more a matter of working off those pesky hormones as quickly as possible, the legendary lover is regarded as a champion loser.

In ‘Dev D’, Anurag Kashyap and Abhay Deol dust him off and resurrect him, making of him just another guy who goes at romance with all the arrogance and prickliness and insecurities of a young man. Recognise yourself in him? Dev's (Abhay) childhood sweetheart Paro (Mahi Gill) has all of these qualities, tempered by the essential female-ness of her. When, in a fit of jealous pique, he throws her off, she doesn't beg or grovel: she turns her back on him, too. Recognise yourself in her?

The film invites you to come along on a stunning multi-layered journey---the psychedelic contours of the overloaded-on-substance, on-the-verge-of-losing-it mind, the physical degradation of the body, the slow dissolution of the spirit. With Anurag and Abhay, (whose idea it was in the first place), ‘Dev D’ becomes one of those rare films which is all of a piece: every single frame is where it should be. As Dev and Paro part ways, Chanda aka Chandramukhi (Kalki) enters the equation, and the film steadies into its triangular groove, rocking to an inverted, just-right climax.

In this virtuoso re-working of the Devdas story, there's none of the obfuscatory self-indulgence that marred Kashyap's last outing, ‘No Smoking'. The cast is perfect for their parts. Debutante Mahi Gill is no Bollywoodized phoolkari-dupatta-wearing ingénue: she dresses, moves and behaves like a feisty girl who's been born and brought up in sugarcane country in rural Punjab. The other first-timer, Kalki, is astonishingly apt too: her journey from a traumatized schoolgirl (based on the MMS scandal emanating from one of Delhi's top schools a few years ago) to a role-playing, phone sex-worker Chanda, is riveting. The first is raw and sensuous, the other raises the lust-meter as high as any red-blooded male can handle, but both are heart-stoppingly, blatantly alive, needy, looking-for-love-with-sex-as-a-by-product real girl-women.

But it is Abhay who makes this thing sing. His Devdas is both eerily similar to the others who've played the part (Kashyap cheekily references posters and scenes from SRK's `Devdas' in a couple of scenes), as well as completely his own. Spoilt rich brat, king-of-the-castle, center-of-the-universe, the kind of male who is always so sorry for himself, that he can't see anyone else as clearly. Right from the attire—jeans, Tees, strap-across-the-chest-bag--- to the attitude—love me, love me, love me-- this joint-rolling, alcohol-swilling ( Coke, vodka ‘ke saath’, is his line in seedy bars) Devdas wears his victimhood with panache, blaming others for the `emosional atyachaar' (one of the eighteen sparkling songs Amit Trivedi and Amitabh Bhattacharya have created for the film: sometimes the film seems too stuffed with the background music, but that's a very minor quibble) being wrecked upon him, but reserving the right to a chuckle in the middle of it all.

Chal Chala Chal Review

February 7th, 2009

Chal Chala Chal sees Govinda doing what he does best. In the film, Govinda plays Deepak, who changes jobs after every six months as he refuses to indulge in any kind of corruption. At the same time, he is helping his father Omkarnath (Om Puri) in a legal matter. Omkarnath, an ex-principal, is fighting a case against his school to get his pension and provident fund.

Omkarnath wins the case, but the school lacks funds. As a compensation, he is handed over the school bus. Omkarnath gives it to Deepak, whose family members wish to sell the bus. However, Deepak follows Omkarnath's advice and starts a transport company Chal Chala Chal with financial help from his friend Sundar (Rajpal Yadav). Deepak faces crazy problems in his new journey and, once again, relies on his father's principles to fight the hurdles.

The fact that the audience has lost faith in Govinda's typical run-of-the-mill entertainers can be seen from the dismal opening the film took on the first day, attracting just a handful of viewers. Die-hard Govinda fans, however, did not mind watching him do the same thing, those looking out for some different were surely disappointed. Rajpal Yadav was praised for his supporting role. Overall, the poor opening indicates director Rajiv Kumar's debut film has no chance at the box-office.

India’s Filmfare Award ceremony in Mumbai on Feb 28

February 7th, 2009

MUMBAI: The 54th ceremony of India’s Filmfare Awards will be held in Mumbai on February 28, Tarun Rai, CEO of Worldwide Media Pvt Ltd, the publishers of Filmfare magazine, announced last night.

Talking on the ocassion, Filmfare Magazine Editor Jitesh Pillai said the nominations for the awards would be announced in a week in all the 35 categories.

Actress Deepika Padukone, who was also present on this occasion, said that she had won two Filmfare awards last year and also performed at the show.

She said she would love to perform this time if asked otherwise she would be happy to attend the ceremony.

Regarding her forthcoming movie “Love Aaj Kal”, Deepika said that this film looked at the theme of love in a modern context.

Nayantara out of trouble

February 7th, 2009

Nayantara is now in the safe zone as the Tamil Film Producers Council and the South India Film Actors Association has issued the green card today on 7th February. She was earlier condemned with a red card by the associations for not returning the advance amount paid to her for 'Paiya'.

Following several controversies, the actress finally returned the amount today to one of the director of Thriupati Bros Film Media Ltd, Subash Chandrabose. After a joint meet, the issue was settled in am amicable manner. The associations held a brief talk and issued a green card for Nayantara withdrawing the ban, letting her act in Tamil movies once again.

For now, Nayantara is completely out of trouble. Rather than going head over heels, it will be advisable if the actress concentrates more on her job than the remunerations.

Bipasha turns singer

February 7th, 2009

Mumbai: Bipasha Basu has been cajoled into singing for her next film Aa Dekhein Zara.

The sultry actress is going to record a song with co-star Neil Nitin Mukesh. Bips had earlier refused to sing point-blank when she was approached by the film’s producers, but later gave into Neil’s request. Bipasha couldn’t say no when the young, handsome Johnny Gaddar turned on his charms.

Noted environmentalist Erin Brokovich felicitates Kareena Kapoor

February 7th, 2009

Mumbai : Renowned environmental activist Erin Brokovich presented Bollywood actor Kareena Kapoor with an award for her contribution to art and cinema.

She said that it was indeed an honour to receive the award from none other than Erin Brokovich, an American legal clerk, who was well portrayed by Hollywood's Julia Roberts in the film 'Erin'.

Speaking to the media, the candid young lady sent a message out to the youth that one should have faith in oneself to achieve new heights.

"I think this is a great honour that they have chosen me for this award, but it definitely gives me a lot of strength and confidence to continue to do what I have always done which is believe in my heart and believe in myself and of course my dreams. I tell the entire youth of this country that follow your heart and follow your dreams because that makes you achieve what you actually want to," said Kapoor.

Interestingly, Kapoor seems to be happy with the fact that women in India are now making it to the top.

Congress Party Chief Sonia Gandhi has been listed as one of the most powerful women of the world, has found a new admirer in Kapoor.

With time she has proved her mettle and earned accolades for her character role in films like 'Chameli'. She won the first Filmfare Best Actress Award for her performance in 'Jab We Met'.

February 7th, 2009

Mumbai : Looks like Rani Mukerji is losing her fizz after all. For the actress, who has been out of scene since long has now been dropped out of yet another ad campaign. After getting replaced in the ‘Titan Raga’ campaign, the Bong bombshell has been thrown out of the ‘Fanta’ advertisement too.

It seems Mukerji's decreasing visibility in the public eye has started taking a toll on her endorsements. If that wasn’t all, the more unnerving news is the fact that she has been replaced by the much younger Genelia D'souza.

According to reports, there are several reasons for the replacement. It is believed that Rani’s frivolous ways and the manner in which she’s been handling her career are the major causes. Rani has almost stopped doing films for anyone other than Aditya Chopra, her past films have not done to well at the Box Office and to top it all she’s keeping away from the media for unknown reasons.

It can be said that the one time numero uno is fading in the public memory. On the other hand, Genelia D'souza, who garnered accolades for the BO hit ‘Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na’, is being touted to have a good connect with the young crowd.

Genelia still waiting for a Valentine

February 7th, 2009

When the entire world celebrates Valentine's Day this year, bubbly Genelia will be working. The actress who enchanted Hindi audiences in Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na apparently has no love life and so, no programmes on February 14th.

Genelia is still basking in the success of her Hindi film which fetched her appreciation even from the great Amitabh Bachchan.

The Boys actress is the latest heart throb of boys in South India and her performances in the Tamil film Santosh Subramaniam and Telugu film Sasirekha Parinayam reinstated her popularity.

Although single, there were rumours that Genelia and Hindi actor Ritiesh Deshmukh are romantically involved.

Genelia is currently working in the Hindi film Its My Life, remake of the Telugu film Bommarilu.

Genelia still close to Imran

February 7th, 2009

Genelia D'Souza and Imran Khan are still buddies. That's what the young heartthrob's Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na co star claims.

Since Imran is going steady with his girlfriend of many years Avantika, no one really linked up the young stars romantically. However the recent buzz is that the two friends have fallen apart after a misunderstanding.

But she clarified, "Imran is a dear friend, there is no misunderstanding between us and we are very good friends. Everything is absolutely fine. These are just rumours."

The young actress who shone down South is presently juggling both Bollywood and the South. She said, "I love both the industries as both are close to my heart. I started my career with Telugu films and I got recognition in Bollywood. But the success of Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na has done wonders to my career."

Genelia has Hook Ya Crook with John Abraham and It's my Life with Hurman Baweja, the Hindi remake of her own Telugu hit Bommarillu to look forward to as well as a Abbas Mastan thriller.

Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na and her hero Imran is mighty lucky for her. No wonder she cherishes this friendship!

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.

King Khan moved by Anil Kapoor acting

February 7th, 2009

MUMBAI: King of Bollywood Shahrukh Khan said Friday he was moved by the brilliant performance of Indian legendary actor Anil Kapoor in his world famous film ‘Slumdog Millionaire’.

It is strange to believe that recently Anil Kapoor criticized Shahrukh over his roles in recent movies despite that, Shahrukh persists to applaud his (Anil)’s role in Slumdog millionaire.

Shahrukh words came as, “Indeed, Anil Kapoor is still the proud of Bollywood and his supremacy in acting is again evident from his brilliant performance in Slumdog Millionaire”

Shakira to dance with Munnabhai

February 7th, 2009

Mumbai: Colombian pop star Shakira is all set to deliver a performance with Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt.

The legitimate eye-popper isn't visiting India for a stage show, but she has been signed by an Indian producer to sing and be part of a music video for a new flick.
Surya Pratap, the producer of forthcoming Bollywood film tentatively titled ‘The Final Call', confirmed the report.

Shakira will team up with Daler Mehndi and Sanjay Dutt for a music video, which will be recorded in USA. In fact, Sanjay Dutt has been approached to play the protagonist of the film and AR Rahman will in all probability be the music composer of this big-budget venture.

Surya said, "Wilson Tong, the actor from the cult film The 36th Chamber of Shaolin, will be in charge of cinematography and action."

Anushka flying with Shah Rukh to London

February 7th, 2009

Mumbai: 'Rab Ne Bana De Jodi' newbie, Anushka Sharma will be giving company to King Khan for this year's Zee Carnival in London.

The charming girl will be traveling overseas for the first time to have some time with her new-found fans ever since she made her debut last December with a hit to her credit.

"There are a lot of first things happening for me. And here's an addition to that long list. In spite of so much coming my way in such a short span of time, I have never felt that I am different from others," says Anushka.

Anushka and Shah Rukh will interact with their fans during the carnival and specially Anushka is quite thrilled about the tour, "It feels strange that there is so much adulation. But, I have no complaints."

Anushka will leave for London on 12 February. The Carnival will be held from 13 - 15 February.

Another controversy for Parzania director

February 7th, 2009

AHMEDABAD: Lamhaa, a film about the problems faced by people of Kashmir, has been mired in row ever since the unit began shooting in the Valley.

Film director Rahul Dholakia whose first film Parzania on Gujarat riots kicked up quite a controversy recently finished shooting his next ambitious film Lamhaa in Kashmir.

The shooting had to be halted in October last year after fruit traders in Srinagar objected to a certain scene. It was again suspended after students of a college in Anantnag protested over the film being shot inside college premises. The unit had to stop work in November after Bipasha Basu left a shoot midway at Anantnag.

"We faced many problems in Kashmir because there was some misunderstanding among people about us. But the problems were sorted out later and they helped us in shooting. Kashmiris are fearless and they live a totally different life, one with a lot of problems. I want to highlight these problems in my film - a drama and a thriller," says Rahul Dholakia.

"In my last film too, I pointed out the problems in Gujarat after the 2002 riots. This film shows the contemporary problems of Kashmiris in a realistic manner," added Rahul.

Rahul has researched extensively for this film and also spent much time in Kashmir before writing the script. He visited sensitive areas and met many people.

"We were not permitted to shoot at some places where militancy is high. People of Kashmir love Sanjay Dutt. However, Bipasha left shooting due to certain security reasons. She later came back and finished shooting in the Valley," says Rahul.

After Parzania, Rahul is keeping his fingers crossed for Lamhaa. "I have again tried to show the real situation of Kashmiri people. I hope the film does not face any problem."

Priyanka’s father unwell again

February 7th, 2009

Even as Priyanka Chopra continues to deliver hits after hits, one thing that never stopped worrying her is her father Dr Ashok Chopra's ill-health.

Her father was diagnosed with a tumour in his liver in 2005. Last week, Dr Ashok Chopra's health suddenly deteriorated further and he was rushed to the the hospital.

Dr Chopra's health has been a cause for concern for his family, especially Priyanka who often has to travel because of her hectic work schedule.

A close friend of Priyanka told Mumbai Mirror, “Last week, Priyanka came from an outdoor shoot and realised that her father was not in his usual element. She told him to go to a doctor for a through check-up. The doctors told Priyanka's father that he has an abscess and pus formation between his liver and the diaphragm. Dr Chopra had to be operated.”

“Priyanka wanted to postpone going to the US for the shoot of Ashutosh Gowariker's What's Your Rashee? as she was quite worried about her father's health. However, after the operation, Dr Ashok was feeling much better and she could leave for the US on time. Priyanka did want to stay back and join the unit of What's Your Rashee? after a few days, but thankfully that kind of a situation did not arise,” added the source.

Another source, who is also close to the Chopras, said, “There were a few complications as Dr Ashok has been suffering from cancer for a long time".

Priyanka's official spokesperson said, “It was a testing time for the family. Priyanka is grateful that her father is back home.”

Dr Ashok said, “I am better now. I had a lot of pain and fever but it is settling down now. This recent problem had nothing to do with my tumour. I had pus formation and abscess exactly in the same area where I was operated earlier. Dr Someshwar was in charge of this surgery.”

“Priyanka looks after me very well. She was with me in the hospital throughout. She is worried about me. She knows her priorities and is a family-oriented girl,” said the proud father.

Earlier, while talking about her father's tumour, Priyanka had said, “When I look back on those days, I can't help wondering how strange life is. I mean, when we took my father for a check-up we had no clue about what was in store. He had absolutely no physical complication, no pain, no symptom of the grave disease. (All this) just makes you more grateful for the gift of life.”