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Preity wants people to vote in Mumbai
By Subhash K. Jha, 

Mumbai, Jan 30   Bollywood star Preity Zinta, who has often raised concerns over Mumbai's cleanliness, is campaigning for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections -- urging people to go out and vote.

"I feel inside me that I need to do something about the situation. The BMC elections are our only chance to see a cleaner and greener Mumbai. I intend to go out and tell people to vote," said Preity.

"This doesn't mean I'm getting into politics at all," she clarified. "It's just my way of creating awareness among people that if they vote, Mumbai city benefits."

   

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Preity was in New Delhi recently and she kept marvelling at how clean the capital city was.

"They don't even have potholes on the main roads. Delhi is so much cleaner. Why? When we in Mumbai are the highest taxpayers in the country. Parts of Mumbai stink and roads are pitiable. Much as I'd have liked to distance myself from all this, like we all do, I can't turn a blind eye because I feel I can make a difference," the actress remarked.

Preity got involved in creating voting awareness soon after she returned from her holiday abroad for the New Year.

"I feel there's already plenty of awareness among Mumbai's people. I want to be part of that movement. I've been asked to create awareness about the calibre of the candidates."
 

Eijaz Khan takes a break, love's in the air
By Subhash K. Jha, 

Mumbai, Jan 30   He's just taken a long-needed holiday for a couple of days. TV actor Eijaz Khan has had a troubled life. A ruptured childhood, a strife-torn adulthood and a traumatic relationship in the past have left him scarred...and scared.

"My work is my only escape route. I slog like a maniac. And I don't like any interference in my work. In fact, I don't carry my phone on the sets, and hate it when others do the same. I don't meet anyone because by the time I finish my shooting and gym it's 2 a.m. The last thing I can think of at that time is social interaction, specially after the kind of attention I've been getting."

Eijaz is referring to fans who become over-persistent. "There're four or five really insistent fans from across the world who think I'm their lover. It's quite scary. These are women who have nothing to do in life except to entertain themselves by fantasising about known faces. I won't encourage them. I think my fan base has increased, sometimes for the better. There're hardcore loyalists who point out my mistakes. I like that kind of attention."

Though his flagship serial "Kavyanjanli" is off the air, Eijaz continues to be popular. "At least I now have the time to get a hair cut and go to the dermatologist. My skin has been suffering more than my soul lately."

Eijaz is frank enough to admit he enjoyed "Kavyanjali" much more than his other serial "Kya Hoga Nimmo Ka", and not just because he had his lady-love Anita for company in the former. "Kavya... was far more grand. I got to do things like jump off a cliff, shoot in a fire sequence, run to Film City in the middle of the night for a shot. Nimmo was far more restrained. We went through the social-drama element in the plot."

As for his Nimmo co-star, "I let her be. I don't have to talk to her at all. Sometimes I just wipe off people from my universe."

Characteristically reticent, Eijaz has recently re-discovered love. He's in love with none other than Ekta Kapoor's best friend Anita/Natassa who was also Eijaz's co-star in "Kavyanjali". Ekta is all for the match because she thinks Eijaz is a great guy.

Eijaz laughs. "Did she really say that? Very sweet of her. Ekta and I share a great working relationship. We respect each other's work. As for Anita, my friendship with her is something I don't want to hype. A relationship involves two people. I wouldn't want to talk on the other people's behalf. It's too soon to discuss in public. I hope it grows into something meaningful."

Marriage? "Too soon to say. But let's hope so. I do derive a lot of satisfaction from my work. But at the end of the day, I do need an anchor. God has blessed me with a troubled life. But I believe what we get on our plate is what can deal with."

On Eijaz's brimming plate is a serial for Ekta Kapoor's new Gulf channel. "That's just a kickstart thing, only the first 15 episodes. It's just a cameo appearance."

Eijaz is restless but not in a mood to do another serial. "That just provokes compromise. There's no time even now."

No time to spend with ladylove? "I make do with whatever time I have. I don't try to create a balance between work and a personal life."

As for marriage, "No point in planning. God always has other plans."

 

B4U acquires rights to 'Guru', 'Umrao Jaan', 'Nishabd'
 
Mumbai Jan 30   The year has begun with a bang at B4U with the network buying global exclusive screening rights to three blockbusters - "Guru", "Umrao Jaan" and the yet to be released "Nishabd".

The company is particularly happy about "Guru" and "Umrao Jaan" with the buzz about its leading pair, the recently engaged Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai.

Besides, Abhishek's superlative performance in Mani Ratnam's "Guru" has won him accolades from his critics while Aishwarya is said to have given one of her best performances in J.P. Dutta's "Umrao Jaan", reports Bollywood Trade.

"Nishabd" draws on Vladmir Nakabov's novel "Lolita" about a 60-year-old man's romance with an 18-year-old girl and stars Amitabh Bachchan and Jiah Khan.

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Abhay Deol and Minissha Lamba do the tango

Abhay Deol and Minissha Lamba went through tango lessons for "Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd". The tango is part of the track "Pyaar Ki Ek Kahani Suno", composed by Vishal-Shekhar.

Even though the song was shot in Mumbai, choreographers Danny, Savio and Kunjan were specially flown down to Goa to make Abhay and Minissha rehearse every day after their gruelling shooting schedule, reports Bollywood Trade.

The Farhan Akhtar-Ritesh Sidhwani production releases Feb 23.

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Hat trick for Ashtavinayak Cinevision

Mega producer Shree Ashtavinayak Cinevision has scored a hat trick of box office hits, reports Bollywood Trade.

First came "Maine Pyar Kyun Kiya" in 2005 with Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif along with diva Sushmita Sen and Sohail Khan; then was the 2006 blockbuster comedy "Golmaal: Fun Unlimited" that had the company laughing all the way to the box office; and the latest is "BhagamBhag", which has also struck a funny chord with the audiences.

 

Nepal filmdom, media rejoice at Shilpa's victory
 
Kathmandu, Jan 30   Nepal's film industry and media rejoiced at Bollywood actor Shilpa Shetty's victory on British reality show "Celebrity Big Brother", stressing that art should have no boundaries of race, colour or religion.

Nepal keenly followed the furore that erupted over Channel 4's reality show after three British contestants made racial remarks about Shilpa, triggering outrage in India as well as Britain.

When the final results came Monday and Shilpa won most of the telephone votes, thereby bagging the prize money of about 100,000 pounds, the news was covered by most of Nepal's media.

"Shilpa wins Celebrity Big Brother," the Himalayan Times daily said Tuesday. Even the conservative state-run daily, the Rising Nepal, covered the contest as well as Shilpa's plans to enter Hollywood.

"It is certainly an achievement," said Nepali film director Gyanendra Deuja, whose film "Muna-Madan" was the kingdom's entry for the Oscar for the best foreign film in 2004.

"The new generation of actors coming up in Bollywood have education and spunk and have proved they are as talented as Hollywood artistes."

Deuja said the controversy over the racist slurs against Shilpa had been discussed in Kollywood - Nepal's film industry - by people who had watched the programme, as well as its Indian avatar "Bigg Boss".

"It is most unfortunate," Deuja said. "Art has no race or boundary. We are not Nepalis or Pakistanis or Indians. An artiste remains an artiste."

Kash Adhikari, another Nepali directors whose film "Krodh" is running to packed theatres, said Kollywood was happy at the victory of an artiste from its neighbourhood.

"We Asians are like one family and India is very close to us because besides being an immediate neighbour, Bollywood films are very popular in Nepal," said Adhikari.

"So when someone from Asia wins a European award, we rejoice in it. The times are changing. People no longer think in terms of black and white people, we are all human beings.

"I think the racist remarks were more prompted by jealousy because of Shilpa's poise and background, and the fear that she could win."

However, Adhikari said he had reservations about the show that stripped the contestants of privacy.

"One shouldn't take part in a programme only for the money, not paying heed to what it entails," he said.

"Money is not every thing. Self-respect is very important. What did Shilpa lack that she had to take part in such a show?"
 

Shilpa wins 'Celebrity Big Brother' reality show
 
London, Jan 29   Bollywood actor Shilpa Shetty has won Channel 4's reality TV show "Celebrity Big Brother" and bagged an estimated 100,000 pounds (almost Rs.9 million) in prize money. The results didn't come as a surprise because the leggy Indian star was tipped as the favourite to win.

Shilpa, 31, the first Indian to participate in the British TV show, was reportedly paid in excess of 40,000 pounds for her participation.

"She was leading all the betting sites," Shilpa's publicist Dale Bhagwagar told IANS.

Shilpa's being on the show, which started Jan 3, didn't make as much news as the racist slurs hurled against her by her housemates, namely British contestant Jade Goody who has since been voted out by the audience.

Housemates Goody, Danielle Lloyd and Jo O'Meara seemed to have ganged up against Shilpa during her stay. She became the subject of their snide and biting comments because of her svelte figure, poise and charm, good dressing sense and background as a popular Bollywood actor.

The racist comments caused outrage in India and Britain, with the issue figuring in the House of Commons and feminist diva Germaine Greer, and even two Indian ministers, demanding corrective action.

Shilpa, who made her debut in Bollywood with the 1993 super hit "Baazigar" which also starred reigning superstar Shah Rukh Khan, never managed to touch the skies as a star. Her slinky dance numbers were more appreciated than her emoting.

But now her popularity ratings have soared suddenly - thanks to the controversial reality show.

"Hollywood film offers have started coming in. Apart form the US and Britain, offers are coming from Spain and Singapore too. Also, the Indian film industry suddenly seems to have woken up to the new Shilpa," said Bhagwagar.

Other contestants who participated in it were Michael Jackson's brother Jermaine, A-Team star Dirk Benedict, Donny Tourette of punk band The Towers of London, ex-Steps star Ian "H" Watkins and "Kenny Everett" Show actress Cleo Rocos.
 

Jaipur to host festival of culture short films
 
Jaipur, Jan 29   Jaipur will host the Feb 11-13 International Festival of Short Films on Culture 2007.

Called the IFFC-2007, it will be organised by the Indian Infotainment Media Corporation (IIMC).

"This would be the first such festival in the world and it would provide an opportunity to witness a cultural extravaganza of short films and documentaries and will motivate the participants to join the film revolution being witnessed all over the world," Devendra Khandelwal, the chief producer and director of IIMC, told IANS.

Besides India, more than 250 entries have come from 30 countries, including

Australia, Brazil, Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Israel, Iran, Italy, Pakistan, Russia, Spain, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, the US and others. Selected 100 films will be screened in the festival.

The jury includes renowned people from various walks of life like eminent filmmaker Basu Chatterjee, National Award-winning director G.L. Bhardwaj, former union minister Kumudben Joshi and leading television journalist Barkha Dutt among others.

Legendary filmmakers Manoj Kumar, Madhur Bhandarkar and Aparna Sen have also agreed to attend the festival along with many Indian and international film & TV personalities.
 

Did Kangana say no to dancing with Shiney?
By Subhash K. Jha,  

Mumbai, Jan 29   The breach between the headstrong Kangana Ranaut and her equally headstrong co-star Shiney Ahuja seems to have widened.

According to backstage whispers, Kangana refused to dance with Shiney at two recent popular awards functions - Sabse Favourite Kaun and STAR Screen Awards.

When confronted with these rumours Kangana laughed it off.

"It's true that there was some talk about me and Shiney dancing at the awards together. But all our hit songs together are in male voices. I've no songs in either of my two films released so far," Kangana told IANS.

However, Kangana will give her first live performance at one of the forthcoming awards.

She revealed her plans, "I'll get the hit songs from my two films 'Gangster - A Love Story' and 'Woh Lamhe' re-recorded in female voices and then perform to them."

On Shiney, she said: "We made a terrific team in our two films together. We're very compatible on screen. That doesn't mean we hang around together when we aren't working. He has his life. I've mine."
 

Now I want to do only good films: Kareena (INTERVIEW)
By Subhash K. Jha, 

Mumbai, Jan 29   Kareena has set high standards for herself after winning the best actress STAR Screen award for "Omkara", beating popular choice Kajol in "Fanaa".

The award has inspired Kareena to work harder. "Getting my first popular best actress award at the beginning of the year just elates me. I'm now getting the right scripts like Mani Ratnam's 'Lajjo'. Now, I want to do only good films. It's so easy just to be in big projects and get big money. I don't believe in that. I've to have a central part now," said Kareena.

What about the cameo in "Don"?

"That one song is running in all the night clubs. All the college kids are dancing to it. I've one big hit to dance to."

Kareena says Kajol, who lost the popular award to her, was genuinely happy for her.

"By chance Kajol was sitting right next to me when my name was announced. She was so genuinely pleased for me. Kajol along with my sister Karisma have always been my idols. Both have had their share of awards. Now, it's my turn.

"I've received critics' awards. But this is my first taste of popular awards since 'Refugee'. 'Omkara' has been a great experience for me. People still come to me on flights and the gym to tell me how much they liked me in 'Omkara'."

Everyone who counted were there at the awards to share her.

"Karisma was there and so was my mom and Shahid (Kapur). They were so happy for me. Shahid was nominated for 'Vivah'. But he was so happy when I won. I had gone only to perform. But I came back with an award."

She says she has tasted blood. "I want to win at every awards function this season."

She got to perform with the legendary Helen.

"It was a great moment. Of course, I knew her from before. I'm a filmy kid, remember? Helen aunty has seen me from my childhood. The Moranis (film financiers and owners of event management company Cineyug) suggested I perform with Helen Aunty.

"They suggested I drive onto stage in a sports car with the 'Don' music playing. When the sports car came in I could hear everyone from my own fraternity cheering me.

"It felt good. Then I danced to my version of 'Yeh mera dil' in 'Don'. After that Helen aunty came in to dance to her own version of 'Yeh mera dil' from the old 'Don'."

Kareena can't stop raving about Helen.

"She was so gracious. She was wondering why people were comparing her 'Don' with mine because times have changed. She said my dance was more dazzling and sexy. That was so sweet of her."

Talk veers to Kareena's sister.

"Karisma is looking like a million bucks. When she went on stage at the awards event to give Hrithik the best actor award, a collective gasp went up in the audience. She's pencil slim. And so am I these days. I'm working really hard on staying slim."

She is not going for any more holidays.

"Except one, for Shahid's birthday on Feb 25," she corrected herself.

"Otherwise, I'm raring to get back to work. I've put on my running shoes."x
 

It's another high to work with newer lot: Ratnam (INTERVIEW)
By Subhash K. Jha, 

Mumbai, Jan 29   After working with veterans like Kamal Haasan, Mammootty and Mohanlal, director Mani Ratnam experienced another high treading the same path with Abhishek Bachchan, because he took to untested waters with tremendous confidence in "Guru".

"When Kamal did 'Nayakan', he had done a few roles that had him aged and demanded a lot of commitment from. He was already a veteran and a master. For Abhishek such physical preparation was a first. He was in a new zone. But he took to the untested waters with tremendous confidence," Ratnam told IANS.

Asked if he still thought shooting in Hindi that is an alien language for him was burdensome, he said: "My Hindi is improving in geometric progression. I started at zero and am gradually climbing up. No, I have not abandoned Tamil, if that is what you're asking. I have done five films after 'Dil Se', three in Tamil and two in Hindi."

Ratnam, who is known to be a disciplinarian and taskmaster on the sets, doesn't face any problems in handling stars.

"Star or no star, they are all actors. And if they are right for your role then they should be able to slip into the character quite well. We just make sure that there is enough in the character to be able to take the burden of the star's popularity," he said.

Excerpts from an interview with the filmmaker:

Q: "Guru" is another bio-pic like "Nayakan". In fact, the physical preparation undertaken by Abhishek is reminiscent of Kamal Haasan's rigorous preparation. Did you get a similar level of commitment from both actors?

A: Absolutely. When Kamal Haasan did "Nayakan", he had done a few roles that had him aged and demanded a lot of commitment from. He was already a veteran and a master. For Abhishek such physical preparation was a first. He was in a new zone. But he took to the untested waters with tremendous confidence.

Q: How much do you miss the older generation of actors like Kamal, Mammootty and Mohanlal in your newer films?

A: They are all great. No doubt. It was a pleasure to work with them. Such actors make a director's life a lot easier. But it is another high to travel similar path with the newer lot.

The youngsters have grown watching these masters perform. The standard has already been set. So, the newer lot is trying not just to reach that standard, but also to cross it. They are a bunch of intelligent youngsters with a wide exposure to world cinema. They bring all that to the shoot.

Q: "Guru" has an unusual cast. What made you sign on unusual suspects like Mallika Sherawat and Mithun Chakraborty?

A: Mithun-da was brilliant to work with. He is so real in his performance. Natural and with no fuss.

Q: Mallika did an item song... Is she a commercial add-on? Did she really trouble you during shooting?

A: Mallika was very professional. She had to dance to a number in Istanbul in very cold conditions. She did it very well. No fuss and no problem whatsoever. She had done a lot of rehearsals before we left for Turkey and worked long hours there in a belly dancer's costume.

Q: How much of the burden of shooting in an alien language - Hindi - have you abandoned since "Dil Se"?

Q: My Hindi is improving in geometric progression. I started at zero and am gradually climbing up. No, I have not abandoned Tamil, if that is what you're asking. I have done five films after "Dil Se", three in Tamil and two in Hindi.

Q: Is it true that you originally wanted Shah Rukh for "Guru"?

A: Not at all! Abhishek was the first choice. Would love to do another film with Shah Rukh when I have a subject for him. He is fantastic to work with. He will do anything for a film. A terrific guy.

Q: How do you assess your journey from "Mouna Ragam" to "Guru"?

A: It feels like yesterday and then again it feels like a long long journey. One thing has not changed. I still struggle and plod through each film.

Q: Are bio-pics like "Nayakan", "Iruvar" and "Guru" harder to do than fictional films?

A: All three are fictional. They might have some connections with real life characters but otherwise they are all 'novelisation'. In fact, if you look at other scripts like "Mouna Ragam" - they are also based on real-life characters. You may not know their names and who they are. But they are as true as the guy in "Guru".

Q: You've done acutely romantic films like "Alai Payuthe" and "Dil Se". You've also done political parables like "Kannathil Muthamittal" and "Iruvar". Where does "Guru" figure in your repertoire?

A: Right in the centre. It is the life-story of a man, his romance with his life with his ambition in the times of political changes.

Q: How difficult is it to mould huge commercial stars from iconic emblems to into characters?

A: Star or no star they are all actors. And if they are right for your role then they should be able to slip into the character quite well. The fact that they are stars is something that you take into consideration when you cast them. We just make sure that there is enough in the character to be able to take the burden of the star's popularity.

Q: Since being satisfied isn't an option for a true creator, what is your level of dissatisfaction with "Guru"? Did you get the feel and texture that you desired?

A: Yes.
 

A documentary on how to make a documentary
 
New Delhi, Jan 28   Unesco has come out with a documentary to teach how documentaries should be produced.

The 30-minute film called "Documenting Reality", is available online and is second part of the Unesco Video Training Basics series. The UN agency brought the series in partnership with the New Delhi-based Public Service Broadcasting Trust (PSBT), a non-governmental organisation.

What is the 'reality' we see on our screens? Who created it and why? This 30-minute documentary raises these questions and focuses on how 'reality' is created by the camera, while exploring the "constructedness" of reality itself.

Unesco announced that the film delves into why and how certain 'truths' are legitimised. It aims to provide a tool for critical thinking and analysis of contemporary mediated societies.

Said Unesco: "Through this series of training modules, Unesco and PSBT aim to support the communication process in democratic societies, particularly in developing media environments."

They are doing this by providing basic and easily comprehensible self-training materials that can be inexpensively distributed to potential content creators as well as to audiences.

Unesco argues that though the media is the strongest tool of modern societies for cultural expression and transmission, the audio-visual industry is increasingly dominated by powerful, commercially oriented conglomerates that account for the majority of productions seen by audiences worldwide.
 

Arshad not to meet Shilpa on 'Big Brother'
By Subhash K. Jha, 

Mumbai, Jan 28   Actor Arshad Warsi's plan to meet Bollywood star Shilpa Shetty on Britain's reality Television show "Celebrity Big Brother" was called off after he was asked not to speak to her about the alleged racism row.

Arshad, who hosts the show's Indian counterpart "Bigg Boss", then felt there was no point in meeting her in London at all.

He said: "I was supposed to go there with a message for Shilpa and her audience. But the brief given to me was - no reference to anything controversial, nothing on the racial issue at all! How could I represent my country in front of millions and not make a mention of the issues that are bothering everyone? I'd have looked like a fool. If I've to just say hello to Shilpa, I'll say it at home. Why go all the way to London?"

But Arshad will anyway be leaving for London to shoot for Vivek Agnihotri's "Goal".

And when he returns, the actor will be busy shooting for two films simultaneously - something he's never done before.

"It's scary to keep visiting two different characters on two different sets and crew at the same time. But the two films - Ajay Devgan's 'Sunday' directed by Rohit Shetty and Anil Kapoor's 'Shortcut' were too tempting to let go. So I've broken the rule ... just this once," remarks Arshad.

Actress Lara Dutta has apparently opted out of "Shortcut" and the buzz is that she didn't want to be featured in a film with Arshad.

The comic actor quips: "It couldn't have anything to do with me because I've no heroine opposite me. Lara was to be cast with Akshaye Khanna. So if it's anyone's loss, it's his."
 

Amit relieved to be out of 'Bigg Boss'
By Subhash K. Jha, 

Mumbai, Jan 28   Television actor Amit Sadh, who was evicted out of Sony TV's reality show "Bigg Boss" nearly two weeks ago, is relieved to be out and back with his girlfriend Neeru.

Amit admits he went for the money and clearly regrets his decision.

"It was a wrong decision. I wasn't emotionally equipped for this. But I learnt a lot. And now that I'm out of there I'm just too overwhelmed to have my world ... my girlfriend Neeru by my side. Her absence made the whole experience harrowing for me. If she had accompanied me to the house, I'd have stayed on for 12 years instead of 12 weeks."

Call it a perfect love story, and he brushes the definition away. "Those are only words. No definition can do justice to what I feel for Neeru. I left her behind and was missing her. I was miserable there without her and if that makes me a weak man, so be it."

Amit does not even want to know what was being written about their relationship while he was in the "Bigg Boss" house.

"If I start thinking about what they were writing I wouldn't be able to enjoy my time ahead with Neeru. She is the woman for me and nothing can change that. Neeru, her parents and siblings are my family. I'm glad I don't have a family of my own as it gave me a chance to adopt her family as my own."

Amit is quick to brush aside speculations about their secret marriage. "People wrote anything they wanted just because I was inaccessible. I was on a reality show and my feelings were on display. Quite frankly I've nothing to talk about except Neeru and my acting.

And what about marriage? "Any time Neeru agrees. We're both young and have our careers ahead. It'll happen soon."

Amit, however, is guarded about his reaction to the "Bigg Boss" inmates.

"I don't know if I will meet up with them. How I'll feel about them outside that house remains to be seen. But one thing is for sure ... I'll never go on a reality show like 'Bigg Boss' ever again.

"Right now, I'm too disoriented to focus on anything except Neeru. Honestly I was only physically present at 'Bigg Boss'. Emotionally I was with Neeru."

Amit also revealed that he could not resist keeping in touch with Neeru even while he was in the "Bigg Boss" house.

"If she hadn't been in touch I'd have been dead. But I wanted her with me every day. Now I'm back to being my normal self," he remarked.

 

Rituparno Ghosh to have Amitabh in next venture
By Subhash K. Jha, 

Mumbai, Jan 28   Prolific Bengali director Rituparno Ghosh, who has been trying to put together a project with Bollywood's legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan for two years now, has finally succeeded in his endeavours.

Ghosh has cast Amitabh as an old but passionate fading Shakespearean actor in an English language film.

"I've been looking forward to working with Ghosh for some time. We went through a couple of ideas, which didn't work out. This one is very interesting. I've watched his work and found it sensitive. My wife and son have already worked with him. Now it's my turn," Amitabh told IANS.

For Ghosh it's a dream come true.

"Like every filmmaker in this country I dreamt of directing Amit-da. But, now, after I've directed Jaya-di in 'Sunglass' I was even more keen to work with him."

Ghosh said that as Amitabh plays a Shakespearean actor hence the film has to be in English.

"Yes, this would be my first English-language film. It's basically the story of an actor and his relationship with a director played by Arjun Rampal, and an actress which we're yet to cast."

Planman, who plan to shoot the film at a stretch from February to March 2007, will produce the film. This would be Big B's first full-length English film, though "Black" was also largely in that language.

Earlier Ghosh planned a bio-pic about a Bengali film director featuring Amitabh and Farhan Akhtar as father and son, but it fell through.
 

Despite impending marriage, 2007 will be Aishwarya's busiest year
By Subhash K. Jha, 

Mumbai, Jan 28   When Aishwarya Rai got engaged to Abhishek Bachchan early this month there was widespread speculation about her future in filmdom. While her would be-in-laws say they have no problems with her continuing in films, some producers fear she may quit after marriage just like future mom-in-law Jaya Bachchan.

Jaya, after tying the knot with Amitabh Bachchan, had quit films at the peak of her career to be a homemaker.

"Will Aishwarya continue to work after marriage? Didn't Jaya Bachchan give it all up at the peak of her career to be Mrs. Amitabh Bachchan?" one producer on the verge of signing her for a big action thriller seemed to express the entire industry's anxieties.

However, all speculation regarding Aishwarya's future in the movies can be laid to rest. The Bachchans have no intentions of stopping her from working.

"There's absolutely no talk of Aishwarya giving up her career. After 'Guru' she has entered a new performing peak. This is the time when she needs to build on her actor's image. There's absolutely no hint of a closure to her career after marriage, whenever that happens," a source close to the family told IANS.

In fact, 2007 is one of Aishwarya's busiest years in years.

"Apart from two international projects, 'The Last Legion' and 'Provoked', which are ready for release she's shooting for Ashutosh Gowariker's 'Jodha-Akbar'. Right after that she goes into Ram Gopal Varma's 'Sarkar 2', followed by a film for Karan Johar's production house. Both feature Abhishek opposite her. It would make a lot of practical sense for Aishwarya to do her films with Abhishek."

That doesn't mean she'd keep herself exclusively associated with Abhishek professionally.

"In fact, she is about to ink another project for producer Gaurang Doshi to be directed by Shriram Raghavan which stars John Abraham. All these will keep her busy till at least the middle of 2008," added the source.

The marriage date, which will be worked out only after Jaya and Abhishek return from the shooting of Goldie Behl's "Drona", will in no way impede Aishwarya's career plans.

"But she is completely one with whatever Abhishek's parents decide. She's leaving all her post-marriage decisions to them. In fact, she has been going by their wishes for some time now, from the time the two got serious about one another," the source explained.
 

Gordon Brown was impressed with Amitabh in 'Kajra re'
(LEAD - Superseding earlier story)
By Subhash K. Jha,  

Mumbai, Jan 28   British Chancellor of the Exchequer Gordon Brown, who was in India earlier this month, was reportedly floored by Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan's performance in the "Kajra re" song in which the actor shakes a leg with his son Abhishek and daughter-in-law to be Aishwarya Rai.

He had paid a very special visit to Yash Raj Studios. Apart from Rani Mukerji and Karan Johar, one of the very special invitees to meet the man, who could become the next prime minister of Britain, was of course Amitabh. He spent a good half an hour chatting with Brown.

When it was time to give Brown a visual taste of Bollywood, the hosts decided to screen none other than their chart-ripping item song "Kajra re" from "Bunty Aur Babli".

"Mr. Brown was completely enthralled by the Bachchans and Aishwarya in 'Kajra re'. In fact, he seemed to want an encore. But there was no time for any other screening. Yash Raj Films chose this song and nothing else because to them, it epitomises the best of Bollywood," one of the invitees told IANS.

So taken up was Brown by "Kajra re" number that he rushed forward to shake Amitabh's hand one more time and showered enthusiastic questions on the item song, those present there said.

Marriage will not end Aishwarya's career (LEAD)
By Subhash K. Jha, 

Mumbai, Jan 28   When Aishwarya Rai got engaged to Abhishek Bachchan early this month there was widespread speculation about her future in filmdom. While her would-be in-laws say they have no problems with her continuing in films, some producers fear she may quit after marriage just like Jaya Bachchan did.

Jaya, after marrying Amitabh Bachchan, had quit films at the peak of her career to become a homemaker.

"Will Aishwarya continue to work after marriage? Didn't Jaya Bachchan give it all up at the peak of her career to be Mrs. Amitabh Bachchan?" one producer on the verge of signing her for a big action thriller seemed to express the entire industry's anxieties.

However, all speculation regarding Aishwarya's future in the movies can be laid to rest. The Bachchans have no intentions of stopping her from working.

"There's absolutely no talk of Aishwarya giving up her career. After 'Guru' she has entered a new performing peak. This is the time when she needs to build on her actor's image. There's absolutely no hint of a closure to her career after marriage, whenever that happens," a source close to the family told IANS.

In fact, 2007 is one of Aishwarya's busiest years in years.

"Apart from two international projects, 'The Last Legion' and 'Provoked', which are ready for release she's shooting for Ashutosh Gowariker's 'Jodha-Akbar'. Right after that she goes into Ram Gopal Varma's 'Sarkar 2', followed by a film for Karan Johar's production house. Both feature Abhishek opposite her. It would make a lot of practical sense for Aishwarya to do her films with Abhishek."

That doesn't mean she'd keep herself exclusively associated with Abhishek professionally.

"In fact, she is about to ink another project for producer Gaurang Doshi to be directed by Shriram Raghavan which stars John Abraham. All these will keep her busy till at least the middle of 2008," added the source.

The marriage date, which will be worked out only after Jaya and Abhishek return from the shooting of Goldie Behl's "Drona", will in no way impede Aishwarya's career plans.

"But she is completely one with whatever Abhishek's parents decide. She's leaving all her post-marriage decisions to them. In fact, she has been going by their wishes for some time now, from the time the two got serious about one another," the source explained to IANS.

 

Shilpa poised to win, career zooming westwards
By Arpana, 

New Delhi, Jan 28   Racist slurs notwithstanding, Bollywood actor Shilpa Shetty has never had it so good. She is not only tipped to win "Celebrity Big Brother", as evident from betting ratings for the British reality television show, her languishing career is also poised for a big leap westwards.

"Hollywood film offers have started coming in," Shilpa's publicist Dale Bhagwagar told IANS.

"Apart form the US and Britain, offers are coming from Spain and Singapore too. Also, the Indian film industry suddenly seems to have woken up to the new Shilpa."

When asked about the betting for Shilpa, he said: "She is leading all the betting sites."

"The racist slurs have stirred people's emotion. For us Shilpa is just front-page news but in Britain she is more than news. Shilpa is feelings, emotions and much more. I am expecting nothing less than a win from Shilpa. I hope glory will be hers," said Bhagwagar.

The final voting results will be announced Monday at 2.30 a.m. (India time).

The Indian actress' popularity in Britain can be gauged from the fact that she has escaped eviction for the second time. Pop star Jo O'Meara, one of those who had harassed Shilpa, and actress Cleo Rocos were eliminated in surprise evictions Friday night on the basis of viewer's votes.

For Shilpa, Channel 4's "Celebrity Big Brother" offered an opportunity to shine. She has grabbed it and proved how important she is.

But good things come at an expense. Jazz Barton, who was instrumental in getting this deal with producers Endemol for Shilpa, tried to cash in on the actress' popularity in Britain.

"Once the show went on air, Jazz and Bobby Khan (another key person who helped Shilpa bag the deal) started posing as her agents. Jazz started making deals on Shilpa's behalf, which is illegal because she hasn't signed any contract with her. Jazz started taking money from newspapers for interviews with her (Shilpa) after she comes out.

"I came to know that she has taken a 100,000 pound deal with media houses. I realised that Shilpa can get into legal trouble if Jazz continues to take money from people in this manner. I warned her mother and as a result the first thing she did after reaching London was to announce that Jazz is not Shilpa's manager or agent."

However, Shilpa's mother is keeping ready an ideal team to monitor her daughter's career in the West.

She has roped in Max Clifford of Max Clifford Associates as her publicist in Britain, Carter-Ruck, leading law firm of the country, to look after legal matters, Farhat Hussain of Cine Entertainment Promoters as her agent and Tasleem Begani as the manager.

The controversy over Jade Goody's 'racist' remarks had stirred people's sympathy for the actress as they saw her being bullied by Goody and her mother. Not only that, other housemates O'Meara and Rocos also passed snide comments behind her back.

Though they apologised for their behaviour, the audience' empathy had swung for the Indian actress in the show which many termed as a fight between "a beauty and the beasts".

Movies to stir both heart and mind
By Priyanka Khanna,  

New Delhi, Jan 28   On the heels of "Salaam-E-Ishq", a glossy concoction of Bollywood's all-time favourite, most profitable and largely superfluous love stories, come movies that will hope to stir both heart and mind.

This February, films by independent filmmakers, social documenters, path-breakers and activists will attempt to rule the marquees while most Hindi film industry moneybags sit back and hopefully take some notes.

Films reportedly lined-up for release include "Traffic Signal", "Black Friday", "Water", "Undertrial", "Provoked", "Eklavya - The Royal Guard", "Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd." and "Nishabd".

Each movie seems more different than the next, giving movie connoisseurs enough reason to rejoice. The fact that film distributors and exhibitors are picking up movies by independent filmmakers that are unlikely to attract viewers in hordes, is a heartening sign.

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"Traffic Signal", which is set for Friday release, is Madhur Bhandarkar's yet another tryst with realistic cinema after "Chandini Bar" and "Page 3", which garnered critical acclaim and even turned into surprise box-office hits in multiplexes.

The filmmaker has floated his own company in order to be able to make the kind of cinema he believes in and "Traffic Signal" is produced under his banner. The apparently starkly realistic film talks about the lives of people staying in the slums of Mumbai and the industry that has spurted around traffic signals, feeding many mouths.

Filmmaker Sudhir Mishra stars in "Traffic Signal" as a mafia overlord, Kunal Khemu who gave an inspiring performance in "Kalyug" is seen as a slum dweller and a small-time goon, Konkana Sen Sharma plays a prostitute with that excess lipstick smeared on her face and Ranvir Shorey essays the role of a pimp.

Percept Pictures, a corporate house eager to promote good cinema and cash in on demand from multiplex viewers, has joined hands with Bhandarkar for promotion and distribution of "Traffic Signal".

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Much delayed and controversial, "Black Friday", is finally expected to be un-canned in February. The release of the film by Anurag Kashyap has been delayed allegedly due to its graphic detailing of the events that led to the 1993 Mumbai bomb blasts and the investigation that followed.

The film has been propped up by support from producer Arindam Mitra, media house Midday and Adlabs Films Ltd. The star cast includes Kay Kay Menon, Pawan Malhotra and Aditya Srivastav.

Controversy seems to be Kashyap's middle name. His sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll cocktail of a directorial debut, "Paanch", never made it to the marquee. His next movie, "Black Friday", had been bogged down with a stay order from court.

The petitioners had alleged that the movie passes a judgement on the accused in the 1993 Mumbai bomb blasts. But now it seems that it will finally see the light of the day.

The box-office fate of last Friday's release "Parzania", a touching film based on a true-life story set during the Gujarat communal riots, will give some indication of how "Black Friday" will perform on the marquees.

"Parzania" has received rich laurels from critics. The release of the film, which is in English, has been hailed as an important step towards freedom of cinematic expression.

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"Water" by internationally renowned filmmaker Deepa Mehta will be finally released in India. The film has been nominated in the Best Foreign Film category in Oscars as Canada's entry. "Provoked", about domestic violence starring Aishwarya Rai and Nandita Das among others, is also likely to be released in February.

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The big ticket film releasing in February is "Eklavya - The Royal Guard" starring Amitabh Bachchan, Saif Ali Khan and Vidya Balan. As the name suggests the film is not the usual Bollywood fare. Bachchan will also be seen as a cynosure of a teenage girl in "Nishabd".

The other film to watch out for will be "Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd.," from the stable of Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani. The film is directed by Reema Kagti and stars Abhay Deol, Minissha Lamba, Shabana Azmi, Boman Irani, Kay Kay Menon, Raima Sen, Amisha Patel, Ranvir Shorey and Dia Mirza.

All in all, seems like a very interesting month ahead.

Melody maker O.P. Nayyar is no more

Mumbai, Jan 28   Hindi film's renowned melody-maker O.P. Nayyar died of cardiac arrest Sunday. He was 81.

The great composer entertained the music lovers with his peppy numbers for decades. Some of his evergreen numbers are "Mera naam Chin Chin Choo", "Ek pardesi mera dil le gaya", "Deewana hua badal", "Isharon isharon mein" and "Balma khuli hawa".

Not to forget the "Aaiye meherbaan..." from "Howrah Bridge". Picturised on Madhuabala, the bar song is an all-time favourite among all age groups till date.

Born as Om Prakash Nayyar Jan 16, 1926 in Lahore, he started his career as an assistant with the All India Radio in Jalandhar, Punjab.

Later his love for music forced him to shift base to Mumbai, where he got his first break in "Kaneez" (1949), followed by "Aasman" (1952).

However, he made it big with Guru Dutt's "Aar Paar" (1954) and since then there was no looking back for the composer. Nayyar formed a winning pair with Dutt and churned out hits like "Mr. & Mrs. '55" and " C.I.D".

Apart from that he composed music in films "Tumsa Nahin Dekha", "Miss Coca Cola", "Baap Re Baap", "Sone Ki Chidiya", "Phagun", "Jaali Note", Ek Musafir Ek Hasina"

Nayyar gained popularity for his experimentations and introductions of new sounds. Some of the common characteristics of his music compositions were clip-clop sound and fusion of folk music and modern instruments. For his inimitable compositions he was crowned 'Rhythm King'.

He worked extensively with singers Geeta Dutt, Asha Bhosle and Mohammed Rafi. He was the only music composer who never worked with Lata Mangeshkar.

His last film as a composer was "Jai Bhavani", which came in 1994.

Kamleshwar: an author who donned many hats

(OBITUARY, With India-Society/Arts-Writer)
By Arun Anand, 

New Delhi, Jan 28   A writer par excellence, Kamleshwar, who died here Saturday night following a massive cardiac arrest at the age of 75, was a leading light of the literary movement in the 1960s that introduced realism in Hindi writing.

Kamleshwar emerged on the Hindi literary scene initially as a short story writer about four decades ago. But unlike many of his contemporaries he didn't confine himself to one particular form of writing. He donned many hats and soon became one of the best-known scriptwriters in Hindi cinema.

During a writing career spanning more than five decades, Kamleshwar penned more than 30 books including novels, short story collections and commentaries apart from a large number of articles in various newspapers and journals.

His literary gems include "Kitney Pakistan" (How Many Pakistans) which became an instant bestseller and won him Sahitya Akademi award in 2003.

Kamleshwar also contributed to Bollywood and penned the scripts of a number of memorable films including "Aandhi", "Mausam", "Rajnigandha", "Chhoti Si Baat" and "Mr Natwarlal".

As TV soap operas began capturing the imagination of the Indian middle class in late 1980s, he turned to the new medium and scripted some of the most successful TV serials including "Darpan", "Ek Kahani", "Chandrakanta" and "Yug".

He also worked with Doordarshan as scriptwriter and then gradually rose to become an additional director general of the state-run TV channel.

In 2005, he was awarded Padma Bhushan for his phenomenal contribution to various forms of Hindi literature.

Known as a prolific and very disciplined writer, he was instrumental in nurturing a whole generation of young Hindi writers in the 1980s and 1990s. While remaining busy in his literary pursuit, he found time to edit two leading Hindi newspapers, Dainik Bhaskar and Dainik Jagaran.

What made Kamleshwar one of the most popular writers in the post-independence Hindi literary scene was the fact that he wrote about the woes of the contemporary society and frustrations of the middle class due to excessive materialism. His works projected the alienation of the common people in the metropolis.

"His utter self-restraint in experimentation both with technique and form lends a forceful character to his treatment," read the citation by Sahitya Akademi.

 

PM condoles O.P. Nayyar's death
 
New Delhi, Jan 28   Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Sunday condoled the death of veteran melody maker O.P. Nayyar, describing him as a "creative and innovative musical genius".

"He was a creative and innovative musical genius who endeared himself to many generations," the prime minister said in a condolence message to Nayyar's family.

Nayyar died after a cardiac arrest Sunday. He was 81.


Akshaye tightlipped about mystery girl
 

Mumbai, Jan 27   What is happening in Akshaye Khanna's love life? Rumours are rife that the "Taal" actor has been dating a socialite from New York since his visit to attend a friend's wedding.

But the actor, who is busy shooting for "Race" in South Africa with Abbas-Mustan, is noncommittal. "The media seems to know about my love life more than me. Yet, I can understand that, let the media do its job, whilst I do mine and that is acting."

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Anoushka - the new true blue Indian pop diva

New singing sensation Anoushka, who was nominated for the STAR Screen awards in the best singer female category, rocked the nation with her break in the title track "Golmaal".

Her cheery and vivacious rendition in the hip hop number had the nation dancing to her tune. The song connected with urban youth across the country.

She followed up her hit debut song with another successful track in "Zindaggi Rocks".

As one critic put it, "Anoushka oozes oomph in the zingy title track with her carefree and chilled out rendition. She has announced her arrival."

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Rituparna in Bollywood's big league

National Award winning Bengali actress Rituparna Sengupata has bagged two more prestigious projects in Bollywood. She has signed a mega film opposite Sunny Deol in Ashwin Choudhery's "Gurudakshina".

"I have always been a fan of Sunny Deol since college I still remember the mass hysteria when 'Gadar' was released. I'm just looking forward to working with Sunny Deol and Ashwin Choudhery," said Rituparna.

When asked about her transition from Bengal cinema, she said: "I have not come to Bollywood to act in run-of-the-mill films.

"In the last one year since I've been here, I have signed six Hindi films, which are different from each other. I'm confident of my acting skills. I am sure I will make my mark in Bollywood too."

Rituparna has also signed a film with Kalpana Lajmi's next film in which she plays the role of a queen with Isha Koppikar featuring as a courtesan.

 

I can't believe I'm 25, says Sammir Dattani

By Subhash K. Jha, 

Mumbai, Jan 27   On his 25th birthday Saturday, Bollywood actor Sammir Dattani was inundated by fans in Bangalore.

The occasion was the music release of his new Kannada film "Sajini" and the girls screamed as if they had seen tomorrow.

But the cynosure of attention was blushing beetroot.

"I can't handle unwanted attention, specially from people whom I don't know. I'm a guy who believes in commitment in a relationship. I can't be frivolous even in casual random bondings like the fan-star one.

"I think the attention I get in Bangalore is very precious. Hopefully I'll get some of that in Mumbai soon," Dattani told IANS.

In 2007 Sammir has three releases. "Mani Shankar's 'Mukhbiir', Nisha Chainai's 'Mumbai Marathon' and Vikram Bhatt's 'Pyar Mein Kabhi Kabhie' feature me in pivotal roles. I can't wait to be 26. Because by then my fate in movies will be decided."

Sammir shares his birthday with his "Pyar Mein Kabhi Kabhie" director Bhatt.

"We're both very quiet thoughtful Aquarians. We believe in being calm and just do our kaam. I believe Bobby Deol, who is Vikram's best friend and who's also born on 27 Jan, is also the same. Put all three of us in the same room and you can't hear a sound except the mind and heart ticking."

Birthday gifts? "The big one is a Sony laptop from a very special friend. Don't ask who that special friend is."
 

Ash-Abhishek make first public appearance post engagement
 
Vindhyachal (Uttar Pradesh), Jan 27   Bollywood's leading pair of Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan Saturday made their first post-engagement public appearance at the popular Vindhyavasni temple in Uttar Pradesh.

The leading stars offered a special pre-nuptial puja at the ancient temple of Goddess Durga at Vindhyachal in Mirzapur district, about 400 km from state capital Lucknow.

"Abhishek applied sindoor on Aishwarya's forehead at the end of the prayer", one of the priests who performed the ceremony told reporters in Vindhyachal.

"Today's prayer was also aimed at ridding Aishwarya of all ills and negative effects including the much-dreaded 'mangali' effect," said the priest.

While Abhishek was dressed in a white kurta-pyjama, Aishwarya also sported a white suit with an olive green chunni.

The occasion was the 51st birthday of the Bachchan family friend, Samajwadi Party general secretary Amar Singh who also solemnised the wedding of 51 young couples as part of birthday celebrations at the temple.

Besides Abhishek's parents - superstar Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya - and Aishwarya's parents, actress-turned-MP Jaya Prada and industrialist Anil Ambani and wife Tina were present.

Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav flew down to the ancient temple town on the Uttar Pradesh-Madhya Pradesh border to wish both Amar Singh as well as the young pair.

However, actress Preity Zinta and Sahara group chief Subrata Roy, who were also scheduled to join the celebrations, did not turn up.

While Abhishek-Aishwarya's ceremonies were performed amid tight security, the 51 weddings were performed in full public view and Yadav and Amitabh Bachchan blessed the newly weds.

Opposition leaders, however, termed the mass marriage function as a gimmick to gain political mileage ahead of the assembly elections in the state.

"The whole drama is aimed at using Amitabh Bachchan's popularity to serve the political objectives of Samajwadi Party," Bharatiya Janata Party leader Lalji tandon told IANS.

Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Salman Khurshid said: "Would Amar Singh let the people know how many times in the past he had organised similar weddings for the poor? Why was it that the idea struck him only now when elections are round the corner?"

Amitabh Bachchan receives Legion d'Honneur award
 
New Delhi, Jan 27   Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan was Saturday honoured with the Legion d'Honneur, France's highest civilian award, for his contribution to Indian and international cultural life.

French Ambassador Dominique Girard conferred the award on Bachchan at a special function at the embassy.

Created to reward eminent military and civil merits in the service of France, Legion d'Honneur is the highest distinction that can be conferred to a French citizen or a foreigner.

Among the eminent Indian personalities who have received the honour are late filmmaker Satyajit Ray in 1987, sitar maestro Ravi Shankar in 2000 and environmentalist R.K. Pachauri in 2006.

Bachchan, an icon in India, is well known in many countries around the world. The BBC Online voted him as the 'Star of the millennium' in 2000, above Hollywood greats like Sir Lawrence Olivier and Charlie Chaplin.

The actor, popularly known as Big B, has dominated Indian cinema since he quit his job as a freight broker in Calcutta and joined Bollywood more than three decades ago.

Rahul Roy wins reality show 'Bigg Boss'
 
Mumbai, Jan 27   Bollywood actor Rahul Roy Saturday night walked away with the prize money of Rs.5 million after winning Sony TV's reality show "Bigg Boss".

Out of the last three contestants, including Bhojpuri superstar Ravi Kishan and top model Carol Gracias, Rahul turned out to be the lucky one.

"Bigg Boss", the Indian version of the internationally acclaimed show "Big Brother", started Nov 3 with 13 participants including Aryan Vaid, Anupama Varma, Rakhi Sawant and Bobby Darling.

Bollywood's popular comic star Arshad Warsi hosted the show.

 
IANS