Mukta Arts to release Paying Guest on 24 April

February 11th, 2009

MUMBAI: Mukta Arts' next film release titled Paying Guest - Chipak Gaye is slated to release on 24 April.

The film is an adaptation of a theatre play titled Paying Guest, ' which ran for two years in the US, the UK, the UAE and India. It is written by Paritosh Painter, who also makes his directorial debut with this movie.

The film stars Shreyas Talpade, Javed Jaffery, Ashwini Choudhary, Vatsal Sheth, Johnny Lever, Celina Jaitley, Riya Sen, Neha Dhupia and Sayali Bhagat. It has music by Sajid Wajid.

Why does Neha hate Valentine's Day?

January 29th, 2009

Now when all are gearing up to celebrate this love-ly day, Neha Dhupia seems to be in a different mood altogether.

She tells us that she hates Valentine’s Day. Now let us assure you that everything’s alright between Neha and her boyfriend Ritwik Bhattacharya. Neha just finds the whole thing oh-so-stupid. “I think it’s really a stupid concept. I don’t understand why do we even need to celebrate that day? It’s not a festival to celebrate; so what’s the significance of it,” she asks. But there could be another reason for this hatred. “I was very fat when I was in school,” reveals Neha, “And very ugly, too. Every Valentine’s all girls used to get chocolates except me...” Now, now, that’s one sad story. But how much ever you may hate the day, we’re sure Rits can give you loads of chocolates for all those years that you didn’t get any! Cheer up Neha.

Designer's spring collection makes heads turn at fashion event in Mumbai

January 22nd, 2009

A pink feathered ramp, bathed in pink light created a perfect ambience for fashion designer Rohit Bal's spring collection.

Christened 'Gulal', the collection lived up to its name, as outfits in pink and red ruled the ramp and left the spectators panting for more at the 'Gitanjali Luxury Style Fest' held here on Tuesday.

Drawing inspiration from spring, the season, which heralds the blossoming of flowers, the outfits carried nuances of the theme, as flowers and floral motifs adorned the outfits.

Asymmetric gowns and dresses structured like petals, brought out the feel of a flower filled garden.

Applauding Rohit Bal for his creative genius, Bollywood actress Neha Dhupia said, "This is the first time I'm walking for Rohit Bal. I have to admit the man is a genius. His clothes are absolutely stunning and there is a reason why he is the best."

Spread over three-days, 'Gitanjali Luxury Style Fest', is India's first luxury event which celebrates high-life in the most exuberant manner.

The girl who used to say Sex & SRK sells has changed

Neha Dhupia isn't shying away from admitting that she made quite a few wrong choices in her five year long career.

She has seen hits and flops at regular intervals but 2007 onwards; she is being seen in a different light altogether. While she is doing Mithya with as much as ease as Singh Is Kinng, soon after Dasvidaniya, she is appearing in Maharathi. A planned move?

"For me, the most important thing is the fact that I am enjoying it all. There are these so-called commercial projects and then also the other kind of films that I am doing.

There is a very definite line between the two. I am not undermining the 'masala' fare but seriously, films like Mithya, Dasvidaniya and now Maharathi are made from the heart.

These are the kind of films that are made for the love of cinema. I am enjoying being a part of both kinds of films", Neha says happily.

So the balancing act would continue? "Pretty much so", Neha says promptly, "I have to feel good with the kind of work I do and currently I am very happy.

However, let me clarify that not even for a single minute am I saying no to big commercial cinema. After all, that's where I have my maximum accessibility to audience.

These are the films that have maximum reach and more and more people want to watch them since they wish to leave their worries back home. So yes, I would be seen in all kinds of cinema."

She goes on to add, "Today when I sign a movie, I make sure that my role has to be good. Length is not the deciding factor.

Also, I don't see a project as commercial or offbeat. I check whether there is something about a project which is good. Something has to come out of it, whether cinematically or commercially.

There should be at least one set of target audience where it is guaranteed to work. This is why not you would see me either as a part of a good film or a good project."

The change doesn't seem sudden though. She would have certainly planned it all out while choosing the distinct projects that she is seen in today?

Says Neha, "If you have to look ahead, you have to see what you have left behind as well. It is plain and simple mathematics. I took two steps back to make sure that I could take four steps forward."

And what made her do that? "Honestly, I was not enjoying the work I was doing at all. But no, let me not say that I was being misguided.

Puhleeeze, they were my decisions and no one else was responsible for the work that I did. Today, I can gladly look back and say that yes, I was facing a storm but I braved it. I was making a few mistakes; I learnt from them and moved on."

The future looks good though, isn't it, what with 2009 also showcasing her in a variety of roles? "Yes, I can confidently say that 2009 would be even better.

There are movies like Raat Gayi Baat Gayi and I Am 24 which are completed and should release early 2009. Then I have also just completed Pappu Can't Dance Saala which is another amazing film.

Raftaar with Emraan Hashmi is a film I am looking forward to as this is commercial and yet so demanding as an actor. I would also be beginning work on Priyadarshan's De Dana Dan with Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif. So as you see, quite some variety at play", smiles Neha.