Aishwarya Rai ranked highest among all Indian actors in new forbes list

February 20th, 2009

Forbes has made Aishwarya Rai bigger than the Khans. It has listed her as India’s most bankable star in Hollywood, pushing down the Khans of Bollywood in the ratings of the best bet for a film’s financial success.

She’s ranked highest among all Indian actors which also make her the only female actor from the country to be a part of the elite group.

There are five other actors in the new Forbes list of Hollywood’s Most Valuable Actors. Others in the list compiled by the American business magazine are Aamir Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Irrfan Khan and Hrithik Roshan.

She’s in the 387th position in the global list of as many as 1,411 actors from across the world and is ranked highest among all Indian actors. Aamir is ranked highest at 540th in the global list followed by Shah Rukh (735), Salman (753), Irrfan (825) and Hrithik (1,059).

Indian American actor Kal Penn who stared as actress Tabu’s son in ‘The Namesake’ has been listed at the 476th position.

So that makes his rank higher than all the Bollywood actors, except Aishwarya Rai, who stars in the new Hollywood venture ‘The Pink Panther 2′.

According to Forbes the global list, topped by Hollywood actor Will Smith, is based on the bankability of actors around the world as voted by members of the global entertainment industry. Smith is the only one who gets a ten-on-ten score and is followed by four Hollywood stars — Johnny Depp, Brad Pitt, Leonardo DiCaprio and Angelina Jolie — sharing the second position followed by Tom Hanks, George Clooney, Denzel Washington, Matt Damon and Jack Nicholson in the top 10

Sippy Apologizes for Distorting History

February 20th, 2009

Filmmaker Ramesh Sippy has apologized for a scene in his latest film “Chandni Chowk to China” which mentions India instead of Nepal as the birth place of Lord Buddha.

Nepal witnessed a huge uproar over the issue and there were large scale demonstrations when the film was released in the neighboring country last month.

The opening scene where a voice over describes the hero (Akshay Kumar) as a man hailing from the birth place of Lord Buddha (India) was deleted from the prints released in Nepal, whereas it was retained in India and elsewhere.

Buddha was born in Lumbini in Nepal, which is revered by Buddhists all over the world.

Talking to reporters, Sippy said the film did not intend to hurt anyone’s feelings. But, he admitted that the script writer of the film fell short in research work while handling a historical fact.

“The controversial scene is just a voice over and was not even required. It will be deleted,” he said apologizing on behalf of the entire cast and crew of the film.

The film, starring Akshay Kumar and Deepika Padukone, has been penned by critics and was declared as a box office failure even though producers have claimed that it has earned Rs 45 crore.

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.

Delhi-6 to be released simultaneously in 1200 theatres

February 17th, 2009

Mumbai: Akshay Kumar, Sonam Kapoor film Delhi-6 will be released simultaneously in 1200 theatres across India. The film is being promoted as a big ticket film at a time when not many film are seeing success at the box office.

The mood in Bollywood like many other sectors is that of despair. A number of projects are being shelved due to want of investors and distributors are also apprehensive putting in loads of money for something that does not give a decent return to them.

In the midst of so many flops, Delhi-6 seems a decent bet for the whole industry as a whole.

Film’s title is inspired from the pin code of Shahjahanabad area of Old Delhi that is known commonly as Walled city. The area is a treasure trove of history and full of monuments. From Fatehpuri mosque to Jama Masjid and Red Fort besides Turkman Gate, Kashmiri Gate all these places surround the place.

The historical market of Shahjahanabad area known commonly as Chandni Chowk is also there just opposite to Fatehpuri mosque.

The story sees Roshan travelling from the USA to India with his ailing grandmother. Little does he know that this quick trip will turn into the longest journey of his life. Delhi-6 is told against the backdrop of the ancient walled city of Delhi.

Slumdog Millionaire faces defamation threat

February 16th, 2009

Mumbai: "Slumdog Millionaire" may have won the hearts of many but the movie, which is on the verge of winning Oscars, is facing defamation threat.

Eminent Hindi poet and Bollywood song writer Gopal Singh Nepali's son Nakul Singh has claimed that the song "Darshan Do Ghanshyam Nath Mori Ankhiya Pyasi" was originally written by his father and is planning to file defamation case against director Danny Boyle.

The song, "Darshan Do Ghanshyam Nath Mori Ankhiya Pyasi", that features in the movie, is from 1957 film "Narsi Bhagat" which was directed by Devendra Goel.

The film was based on the life of 15th Century Gujarati saint-poet Narsinh Mehta, who was a devotee of Lord Krishna.

The song, based on one of the oldest ragas — "Rag Kedar", was written by eminent Hindi poet and Bollywood song writer Gopal Singh Nepali.

Call it his destiny or an oversight by the Oscar-front runner team protagonist Jamal is shown winning Rs 2, 50,000 in the film despite giving a wrong answer.

"Slumdog Millionaire" is based on Indian diplomat Vikas Swarup's novel "Q and A" and was adapted into the movie by scriptwriter Simon Beaufoy, who changed some parts of the story to make it fit in the film's narrative.

The result of it is that Jamal ends up giving a wrong answer to a question with wrong options.

Swarup's book refers to "Ankhiya Hari Darshan Ki Pyasi" as the song by saint-poet Surdas. The question for the protagonist in the book is a different one.

Surdas, a contemporary to Narsi, wrote "Ankhiya Hari Darshan Ki Pyasi" which expresses a similar sentiment.

In the movie Jamal is asked to name the poet who wrote song "Darshan Do Ghanshyam Nath Mori Ankhiya Pyasi" during the show- Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? He has four options from the show host- Surdas, Tulsidas, Meerabai and Kabir.

Obviously, none of these is the right answer. The producers of the film were unavailable for comment.

Glittering Bharat Shah Son Wedding

February 15th, 2009

Practically entire film industry was at the wedding of Himani Raut with Rajeev Shah, son of film financier Bharat Shah at the Mahalaxmi Turf Club.

Kamal Hassan, Rekha, gorgeous Nagama, beautiful Sridevi, Dancing queen Madhuri Dixit , Jackie Shroff, Mallika Sherawat, Govinda were among the guest at the wedding.

Rekha made one of her rare appearances at the wedding. Looking ever so beautiful and graceful.

Here are the photos

Billu opens to an average collections at box office

February 15th, 2009

Shah Rukh Khan’s home production Billu directed by Priyadarshan has taken an average opening in major metros cities on its opening day Friday the 13th. But reports suggest that it is doing slightly better business in the smaller centers than big cities.

The film opened on Friday to 30-40% occupancy. There was a slight improvement with evening shows but not so significant that one can call it a good opening. It has been released with in over 1000 cinema halls including 600 digital screens. If the opening weekend collections don’t touch the 75-80% mark then the film is bound to be declared a FLOP. It will face mighty opposition from next Friday’s release, Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra’s Delhi-6.

The other release of the week, The Stoneman Murders has taken a slow opening but since its carrying very good reports, the positive word of mouth about it is spreading slowly. The weekend may see a big rise in its collections claim trade pundits.

If Billu flops it won’t affect SRK the producer as he has made a clean profit by selling all its rights to Eros but as an actor it will definitely be a blot in his career record.

Mukta Arts' next

February 14th, 2009

Mukta Arts next venture 'Paying Guest's main motive is to create a laugh riot and the film will hit theatres on 24thApril 2009.

Subhash Ghai's forthcoming film 'Paying Guest' directed by Paritosh Painter is all set to release on 24th April 2009. This madcap comedy stars Shreyas Talpade, Aashish Choudhary, Jaaved Jafferi and Vatsal Sheth. The film has been shot extensively in Bangkok and Mumbai.

'Paying Guest' revolves around four young fun-loving boys, who begin a crazy house hunt that takes them through a series of ultra comical hurdles in a bid to find that one roof that will tolerate and shelter their combined problems.

However, their quest for the roof takes a different toll when they come across a crazy landlord Ballu & his hilarious wife played by Johny Lever & Delnaaz Paul, who are ready to rent their house on one condition. The condition is that they will rent their house only to married couple. This triggers a series of confusions that builds into the rich complexities of mistaken identities and a climax of comic wizardries.

'Paying Guest' also stars Celina Jaitly, Neha Dhupia, Riya Sen, Sayali Bhagat, Chunky Pandey, Asrani and Paintal. The music has been scored by Sajid-Wajid while the film has been written & directed by Paritosh Painter, with cinematographer P Selva Kumar.

'Paying Guest' is being produced by Mukta Arts Entertainment.

Bhansali to co-produce Big B starrer 'Chenab Gandhi'

February 13th, 2009

By Subhash K. Jha, Mumbai, Feb 12 : RGP-Sa Re Ga Ma has clinched a deal with Sanjay Leela Bhansali to co-produce the Rupees.350 million 'Chenab Gandhi', which will have Amitabh Bachchan in the lead role.

"It was always a dream to work with Sanjay Leela Bhansali. And to get Bhansali on board is like the ultimate for me as a producer," Madhu Mantena, head of the film division of RGP-Sa Re Ga Ma, told IANS.

"And this film gives me not just the chance to work with one of the finest filmmakers, but also with the mighty Mr. Amitabh Bachchan," said Mantena who co-produced Aamir Khan starrer "Ghajini".

The film also stars Vidya Balan and Hurman S. Baweja and will be directed by Vibhu Puri.

"Bhansali has done period films 'Devdas' and 'Black'. Both had a lot of period detailing that went a long way into making the goings-on look convincing. We hope to recreate an era in 'Chenab Gandhi' with the same degree of conviction," said Mantena.

This would be the first of RPG-Sa Re Ga Ma's projects to roll off and would be followed by Abbas Tyrewala's "1-800-Love".

Kareena Kapoor, Sreesanth voted PETA's Sexiest Vegetarians Alive

February 13th, 2009

MUMBAI: 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.

Kapoor, captured the female title for the second year in a row. Sreesanth beat out fellow vegetarian cricket stars Ishant Sharma and Anil Kumble to earn the nod for sexiest male.

Shahid Kapur and Vidya Balan garnered the next highest numbers of votes. 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. 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", says PETA India's Anuradha Sawhney.

What do the stars want this V-day?

February 13th, 2009

Bipasha Basu: "None. I'm happy and contented."

Priyanka Chopra: "I don't believe you need a reason or a particular day to say you love someone. When you're in love every day is special."

Pooja Bedi : "It's a day for lovers, not about being with loved ones, friends and relative. Unless you want to comfort yourself about the absence of that someone special in your life. What do I want? Waiting for my Prince Charming to come."

Koena Mitra: "My Valentine desire would be to finally meet Mr Right. But if that's not possible this Valentine then fine. Just get me a man who's hot-looking and a great conversationalist. Then even a Mr Wrong will do."

Celina Jaitley: "Desire: My Valentine wish is to find true love."

Imtiaz Ali: "I want to keep making films that girls will adore on Valentine's Day."

Esha Deol: "I want to give lots of love to all those who've given me love. Lots of love to all my ex-es too! Ha ha. May God keep me single for as long as possible because I love my freedom."

Aryan Vaid: "My Valentine's Day plans are open. I'm single so nothing happening. I want to celebrate love. It's such an amazing time and with the Mumbai weather being so romantic, this Valentine's Day will be special."

Farhan Akhtar: "Want to see Mumbayites back to the spirit of the city."

Muzamil Ebrahim: "It's my mother's birthday on Valentine's Day so there'll definitely be lots of celebration. Want good health and happiness for all those who love me. And I want to get together with the one I want to be with."

Sammir Dattani: "Shooting in Hyderabad but thinking of someone very special in Mumbai."
Desire : "Wish I was back on Mumbai to be with that someone very special."

Amrita Arora: "Will be shooting on Valentine's. Wish to have my loved one with me forever."

Manoj Bajpai: "I don't believe in Valentine's Day. You don't need one special day to show your partner how much you love her."

Kushal Punjabi: "Besides shooting I'll be doing what all other lovers do on Valentine's Day. Exchanging cards and listening to romantic songs. What did you think? From all the girls in my life that one special person will emerge on this day. I promise I'll give up doing naughty like exchanging cards things after that."

Neil Mathur: "Will be going out with a secret Valentine to a secret place. One wish would be that I get the power to give back love to all those who love me."

Tusshar Kapoor: "Nothing special. Just meeting up with friends after shooting. If I had my way I'd make every day Valentine's Day."

Malaika Arora: "I want to spend the day with all my loved ones. I don't anyone to be alone on Valentine's Day."

Tanushree Dutta: "I wish I'd be in Paris for Valentine's Day."

Amrita Rao: "I wish all those people in love be so forever. And those who don't, may they please find love this Valentine's Day."