'Firaaq' bags award at KARA film fest Text

February 18th, 2009

Islamabad: Two Indian films, - Nandita Das' directorial debut "Firaaq" and a documentary "Superman of Malegaon" - have won the Ciepie awards at the 7th Kara Film Festival here.

After receiving the award Sunday, Nandita said she was glad at the response her film had received and the citation that the jury gave, Thenews.com.pk reports.

The Best Feature Film award was picked up by Nandita Das' "Firaaq" that was screened twice during the 12-day festival. Pakistani telefilm "Burns Road Ki Niilofer" picked up two awards for best screenplay and best female supporting actress.

The Ciepie was awarded to six films, two documentaries - "Superman of Malegaon" (India), and "Kesan Lapsi" (Finland) - two short films with one for Best Animated Film awarded to "Even Pigeons Go to Heaven" (France). The best Short Action Film award went to "Match Factor".

Faiza Ahmed Khan is the director of "Superman of Malegaon", a spoof on superman films.

Rasheed Naz, who played an important role in Pakistani film "Khuda Kay Liye", bagged best actor in a supporting role award, while the special jury award went to Rashid Farooqui for "Ramchand Pakistani".

Indian filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, in his short address at the fest, said that festivals like these help in bridging the gap between the two neighbours.

He said he was at a shop in Karachi when a guy approached him to ask for help with his neurologically disabled brother.

"The guy asked for help in contacting a neurosurgeon in Mumbai, and I immediately punched in the number and let them set up a possible meeting. This was exactly how film festivals help bring the people of different countries together," said Bhatt.

Speaking about his meeting with noted ghazal singer Mehdi Hasan, Bhatt said that neither he nor Hasan would forget the bonds formed during their meeting.

Asin invites wrath of jealous Rani

February 17th, 2009

Asin became the toast of the town after Ghajini released and that hasn’t gone down well with many senior actresses.

Asin was offered a Yash Raj film opposite Shah Rukh Khan after Katrina Kaif refused to do it, probably because beau Salman Khan would not have liked her working with SRK. Alas, Kat’s loss couldn’t become Asin’s gain because reportedly,

Rani Mukherji, the uncrowned queen of Yash Raj Films ( YRF), didn’t like the fact that Asin was being given a chance instead of her. So, Rani made her point clear to Aditya Chopra, who finally gave in to her tantrums and so, Asin lost out on a plum role because of her.

But Asin is not the only one who invited Rani’s wrath.

Anoushka Sharma is another Rani victim as she hasn’t got a single film after Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, even though she has a three- film contract with YRF.

Freida Pinto dumped her fiance Rohan Antao

February 17th, 2009

It is official now Slumdog Millionaire star Freida Pinto broke her engagement off with her one-time PR agent and fiance, Rohan Antao.

Freida Pinto has dumped her fiance as she wants to concentrate on her career, it has been revealed.

Both met at St Xavier’s College, Mumbai, where Freida studied English and Rohan chemistry.

She has told Mumbai PR agent Rohan Antao that she could not be with him and be a world-renowned actress at the same time, according to her friends.

Koena Mitra’s Kicking Up A Storm

February 17th, 2009

Hot action girl Koena Mitra is busy on four projects at once and it’s not just her head that’s spinning. "I have just finished shooting Ayan with South superstar Surya. It was an item song and I had a blast doing those really fast paced heavy duty dance numbers," she says. The film also stars Tamanna. Koena doesn’t normally do item songs anymore, even though she is a trained dancer, but apparently the money she was offered was so good, she couldn’t turn it down.

She’s also been involved in a Hong Kong action movie, which she hopes will give her a much higher profile internationally. "Koena has had to go in for intense physical training for this film,” says a source, “She has trained in Tai Chi, fast running and kick boxing. The special effects film will certainly put Koena in the top league."

Then there’s a sci-fi movie with Neil Nitin Mukesh, Aa Dekhen Zara, and a cop thriller. That’s a heavy schedule for a girl who was only seen in one minor movie last year. “I would rather play the waiting game then do something that I am not confident about, “she explains, “Look at Anamika, my last release. The film was not backed by financially solvent producers and the film could not be marketed. What is the point in investing so much time and energy in a project that will not be viewed by the public?” Anamika also starred Dino Morea and Minissha Lamba, and although it was a decent movie, it disappeared without trace.

Juhi Parmar and Sachin Shroff got married in Jaipur

February 17th, 2009

Kumkum gets married

On 15th February at evening, Juhi Parmar and Sachin Shroff got married in Jaipur

Juhi Parmar and Sachin Shroff are now man and wife. Last evening, Juhi, who became a household name after playing the title role in the popular TV show, Kumkum, and Sachin tied the knot in Jaipur, which is Juhi's hometown. Several TV stars attended the wedding.

An excited Juhi told Mumbai Mirror, "This is the best day of my life. You have caught me in the middle of a ceremony. I can't say anything more than this right now."

When we called Sachin, we weren't surprised to hear that his callertune was 'Mehndi laga ke rakhna, doli saja ke rakhna'. He said, "I am on cloud nine. I am just getting ready to go for my shaadi."

"We are coming back to Mumbai after four-five days. After that we will go for our honeymoon. We are yet to decide where we will be going," added Sachin.

The couple had first met five years ago while shooting for a TV show's pilot episode. Although they didn't end up doing the show, the two became close friends during the shoot.

Eventually, they fell in love, and the rest, as they say, is history.

February 17th, 2009

For Celina Jaitley, after attending a Valentine Day event for celebrating the virtuousness of love at Delhi, the trip back to Mumbai started off with a tinge of hate.

The Bollywood babe got the shock of her life when she discovered that her precious possessions kept in the hand bag had been damaged after being checked by the airport officials.

Celina's costly iPod and Blackberry phone were found to be having scratches and some other belongings were also damaged. This incident has resulted in the B-Town babe getting terribly disgruntled with the attitude, behaviour and work ethics of the men who did the damage.

Celina says "It was heart breaking to see my stuff in a bad shape. These guys do not know how to behave with women. I went up to the officer in charge and all he could say was "Sorry". They also told me in no uncertain terms that they cannot repair what was broken. Moreover, the guys who did it were grinning in front of him. What a shame. Someone ought to teach these cops how to behave with women".

Bebo- The Sexiest Vegetarian Alive

February 17th, 2009

Thousands of voters have spoken, and Bollywood actor Kareena Kapoor and cricket star Sreesanth have been crowned the winners of PETA India's annual Sexiest Vegetarians Alive poll.

The online contest was conducted by petaDishoom, PETA India's youth arm. Kapoor and Sreesanth narrowly edged out 2007 winner R Madhavan, model and doctor Aditi Gowitrikar, Pentagram vocalist Vishal Dadlani, film star and Kailasa singer Kailash Kher and many others.

Four-time Filmfare award-winner Kareena Kapoor, who has appeared in more than 31 movies, captured the female title for the second year in a row. Exuberant young fast-pace bowler Sreesanth beat out fellow vegetarian cricket stars Ishant Sharma and Anil Kumble to earn the nod for sexiest male.

Other top contenders include Olympic Bronze Medallist Sushil Kumar; actors Alicia Silverstone, Pamela Anderson, Hansika Motwani, Mallika Sherawat, Mahima Chaudhary and Rajneesh Duggal; musicians Sir Paul McCartney and Moby; and designers Anita Dongre and Hemant Trevedi.

"When you look at the dozens of gorgeous celebrities in this year's poll, there are no bones about it – a vegetarian diet makes you beautiful inside and out", says PETA India's Anuradha Sawhney.

"After all, going vegetarian is the best thing you can do for the animals, the Earth and your health. Plus, everyone knows that there is nothing sexier than someone who exudes both passion and compassion."

Preity's HEAVEN ON EARTH is now VIDESH!

February 17th, 2009

The talented director is back with another hard hitting social drama. Deepa Mehta's latest venture which was titled HEAVEN ON EARTH internationally is now going to be called VIDESH for the Indian territory and will hit the theatres in March.

The movie stars the gorgeous Preity Zinta and introduces Vansh Bhardwaj and is produced under the renowned banner BR Films. The film has already released in Canada to an overwhelming response; with Preity Zinta winning the Best Actress award at the Chicago film festival, and also getting nominated at the 29th Genie Awards which is the Canadian equivalent to the Oscars.

Says Sanjay Bhutian, the CEO of BR Films, ''We did not want our Indian audiences to misinterpret the title HEAVEN ON EARTH to be an English film. Hence we changed the film's name to VIDESH as this would connect well with the Indian audiences.''

Well, that's not all! Punjabi film enthusiasts are in for a treat as VIDESH is going to be released in both Hindi as well as Punjabi!

Interview : Priyanka Chopra

February 17th, 2009

'Desi Girl' Priyanka Chopra is all smiling now with her hands full of awards and films. She speaks to our correspondent on luck, Harman and her friendship with Shahid Kapoor.

You had 4 flops last year (LOVE STORY 2050, GOD TUSSI GREAT HO, CHAMKU, DRONA). Still you began 2009 with winning an award for FASHION. Shall we call it luck or confidence?
Both. I am on cloud 9 to have begun the year winning the Star Screen Awards Best Actress for FASHION. In fact, I have become greedy after this award. Now I would like to win all the awards of this season.

But surely the flops did affect your career?
All those who are in show business know hits and flops are part of our profession. So career-wise, as long as your looks and acting are impressive, you are not affected for the simple reason that only you are not the fate of the film. But on a personal note, flops do affect me. It would be nice if all my releases so far would have been hits.

Are you enjoying the 'Desi Girl' tag?
Immensely. The song is a tribute to all Indian girls across the world and I represented them in DOSTANA. I was excited about the song since Karan (Johar) told me about it and was sure that it will be a box office scorer.

How does it feel to see Kareena Kapoor dancing to your tunes, I mean, the 'Desi Girl' song in a Kurkure advertisement?
Did she? I didn't know about it. Where is the time to watch television yaar!

You didn't answer my question?
How can I comment on something I have not seen.

OK. Let me twist the question. How will you feel to see Kareena dancing to one of your songs?
Very clever...I will say something and you will write '...this proves Priyanka and Kareena are enemies'.

Are you, really?
No...no ...never. Kareena and I work in the same industry and we are colleagues, if not best friends. She can dance on all my songs and I will clap for her louder than all present. And I too won't mind dancing to her numbers.

Do you believe in size-zero?
I already have a great figure...at least that's what I am told by everyone. So, I don't need to starve and get a size zero. I am a complete foodie and would like to remain like that.

Are you still dating Harman Baweja?
O My God! Over the phone you said I would only be asked questions on films. I won't answer any personal questions.

Then this will be the most boring interview of your life and only you once said on television that actors don't have a private life.
(Pauses) You are very adamant. Ok, go on.

Are you and Harman still together?
Harman is, was and will remain a good friend. He has just started his career and I have a lot to do with mine. So I will be grateful to people if they talk about our films and less about our personal life.

While Saif-Kareena, Ranbir-Deepika and Kangna-Adhyayan are so vocal about their relationships, why do you want to maintain secrecy about your relationship?
I don't know why and what others are doing. As for my case, I find it foolish to announce something to the world unless I am sure about it.

The latest buzz of B-town is you are dating Shahid Kapoor. True?
I thought the media has already linked Shahid with Vidya Balan and Sania Mirza! (laughs) Shahid is a my co-star in Vishal Bharadwaj's KAMEENAY. This is the first time we are working together and have a blast on the sets. We share the same mentality and enjoy each other's company. That's all for now and I will personally inform you if we start an affair or get married or have kids...or (laughs and hints the interview is over).

Happy Birthday to Sadha

February 17th, 2009

Sadha debuted to cinema with 'Jayam' in Telugu opposite Nithin which was again remade in Tamil with the same title starring Ravi in the lead. She played the role of a naive and young village girl with ease that appeased the audience in entirety. Her famous dialogue to this date remains the 'Poya…Po' from 'Jayam'.

She also won the Best Newcomer Filmfare Award for the film which gave her a break in the career. 'Mona Lisa' was her first Kannada film following which she did films like 'Ethiree', 'Priyasakhi', 'Unnale Unnale' (Tamil), 'Avunannaa Kaadannaa', 'Chukkallo Chandrudum', 'Takkari' (Telugu) and 'Mohini' (Kannada).

Shankar's 'Anniyan' starring Vikram and Sadha in the lead was the biggest hit in her career which was also made in Telugu titled 'Aparchithudu'. Sadha exhibited a captivating performance in the role of an egoistic girl in 'Priyasakhi' and 'Unnale Unnale' which still lingers in the minds of the audience. She has also ventured into Bollywood with 'Khalbali' and 'Dil to Deewana Hai' that are in post production stage now.

Considered as one of the riveting actresses in cinema, Sadhaaf alias Sadha is a Marathi born but ardently learnt and became affluent in South Indian languages that paved her way to be a star. With offers lining up, Sadha is on the stride to become one among the top heroines. We wish a very happy birthday for the star who celebrates her 25th birthday today on 17th February.