Other Topics : Art Culture - Fashion - Tourism

Latest & Hot Bollywood Film News : *

Back to Hindi movies section

  
Deepa Mehta inks deal with Amitabh
By Subhash K. Jha, 

Mumbai, Feb 19   After Mira Nair's "Shantaram", Amitabh Bachchan has now agreed to work with Deepa Mehta in her next film "Exclusion".

Mehta, who sneaked into Mumbai for just a day for a series of press conferences promoting her Oscar-nominated film "Water", found time to meet up with Amitabh Bachchan at his office Janak to ink a deal.

"Amitabh and I met in Toronto when he was there to promote Karan Johar's film ('Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna'). I was there with 'Water'. He was interested in 'Exclusion'. Now we met again at his office on Friday and he has said yes. I'm too delighted for words. It's been a dream to direct him," Mehta told IANS.

It looks like the Bollywood icon's earlier stance on the redundancy of an international career is going for a toss. Whether he wants it or not, international filmmakers are ready to take his stardom to the West in a big way.


   

                             Advertisement

Earlier entitled "Kamagata Maru", "Exclusion" is the true-life tale of a ship that took a group of Indians to the shores of Canada in the early part of the 19th century. But they were not allowed to enter the country.

It is described as one of the most notorious "incidents" in the history of exclusion laws in Canada and the United States designed to keep out immigrants of Asian origin.

The film will feature Amitabh alongside John Abraham.

It's like a double whammy for Mehta. She has managed to rope in one of the most sought after actors for her film and "Water", about the plight of the widows in the pre-independence era, is set to hit the Indian marquees on March 9. John, Lisa Ray and Seema Biswas play important roles in the film, which was shot in Sri Lanka.
 

Preity, Arjun join Amitabh in Rituparno's next film
 
New Delhi, Feb 19   Preity Zinta, Arjun Rampal and Amitabh Bachchan will be seen together in Rituparno Ghosh's forthcoming English film.

The yet untitled film, which is being produced by Planman Motion Pictures, will also feature Shefali Shah, Bengali actor Jishu Sengupta and Divya Dutta.

"I am extremely happy with the finalisation of the cast. A great script and good actors are an extremely exciting proposition. I am sure the film will shape up wonderfully. After all, Ghosh is a magician of a director," said Arindam Chaudhuri, chairperson of Planman Motion Pictures.

Shubho Shekhar Bhattacharjee, CEO, Planman Motion Pictures, said the film would go on floors by the end of February.

"An integral part of the film would be shot abroad, for which we are exploring several location options. As soon as the formalities are done, we will finalise the international schedule," said Bhattacharjee.

Aftab sports bald look in 'Red'
By Swati R. Chaudhary, 

Mumbai, Feb 19   Actor Aftab Shivdasani, who desperately wanted a radical makeover, has almost gone bald for Vikram Bhatt's "Red".

"I was discussing this new look with Vikram when we were doing 'Ankahee'. I was longing to see myself in a new light. I went to hair stylist Aalim Hakim... Vikram has been very supportive and we finally implemented the look in 'Red'. I'm in love with this new look," said Aftab.

He plays Neel Oberoi, a heart patient who falls in love with Anahita, played by Celina Jaitley, reports Bollywood Trade.

"'Red' signifies anger, passion, danger and hence goes with the film. My character Neel is a passionate, intense guy. He is required to be portrayed in that light (referring to his 'bald' look). The look compliments my character in the film. I've never played something like this before. 'Red' was a great opportunity for me as an actor."

The film, releasing March 2, has been described as an erotic thriller -- the Aftab-Celina lip-lock has generated enough hype already.

The actor has interesting line-up of films, including "Life Mein Kabhi Kabhie", "De Taali", and "Speed".


-*-

Sushma not obsessed with her achievements

Sushma Reddy, who recently hosted "Indian Rendezvous" -- a six-part series on as many Indian metros -- doesn't believe in talking too much about her work.

"I find it strange and absurd to talk about things just to be in news. I can't blabber foolishly just for the heck of it. I believe in talking when the time is right. Let things materialise and I shall talk about it," she said.

The waif-like beauty has been roped in for a new project on "Travel and Living". She is also looking forward to Mahesh Manjrekar's much-delayed "Big Bazaar" and a few other projects, reports Bollywood Trade.

About her blink-and-miss role in "Don", Sushma said: "It was more of a personal favour to Farhan Akhtar. I have high regard for him as a director and more so as a person. I've known him since quite some time. In fact, we have a similar group of friends. He needed an actress and he called me up so I went ahead with it."

Sushma spent Valentine's Day with sister Sameera and friends. She treated herself to "Music & Lyrics" followed by a sumptuous dinner.

"I don't think you need a particular day to profess love for someone. Valentine's Day should be taken in the right spirit. If you're in love with someone you express it everyday. It's a daily affair and not a one day thing," she opines.

Prod her about the presence of a 'special someone' in her life and she says, "I will never comment on my personal life. Please leave that bit to me."
 

Saif recovering and stable: hospital
 
Mumbai, Feb 19   Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan, who was rushed to a city hospital here Sunday evening after complaining of chest pain, is better and recovering from severe exertion, hospital sources said Monday.

"Saif Ali is out of danger, but will be kept under observation for the next two days, said Lilavati Hospital dean N. Trivedi.

Saif, 36, was rushed to Lilavati Hospital Sunday evening after suffering a "suspected" mild heart attack. He was admitted to the intensive care unit and underwent an ECG, which had shown that he had irregular heartbeat.

"A team led by cardiologist Vivek Mehan immediately performed an angiography but found him to be stable," Trivedi said.

Saif had early Sunday morning returned from a tour of South Africa and had rehearsed for a performance at a function earlier in the day. He complained of chest pain at about 5 p.m. when he was heading for the evening's Stardust Awards at the Bandra-Kurla Complex.

Saif was to have received the award for best actor in a negative role for "Omkara", which brought him much critical acclaim when it was released last year.

Saif's sister actor Soha said:" Saif had been working day and night and was over-exerted."

"He returned from South Africa at 1.30 a.m. Sunday and rushed to the MMRDA grounds at the Bandra-Kurla Complex to practice for last night's Stardust Awards," Soha told IANS Monday.

But soon news of Saif's heart attack spread and several Bollywood biggies like Amitabh Bachchan, Sanjay Dutt, who were present at the awards function, rushed to the hospital to see him. Others like Fardeen Khan, Preity Zinta, Kunal Kohli and Jackie Shroff followed.

Akshay Kumar to star in Priyadarshan's next
 

New Delhi, Feb 19   Bhushan Kumar of T-series has roped in Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar for his next production - "Bhool Bhulaiya" - a comic thriller and remake of the 1993 Malayalam super-hit "Manichithrathazhu".

Set in a small town, the film promises to be a blend of thrill and humour, revealing many dimensions of human psychology.

Directed by Priyadarshan, the movie's cast will include Vidya Balan, Shiney Ahuja, Paresh Rawal, Rajpal Yadav and Amisha Patel. The screenplay and dialogues of the film are written by Neeraj Vora and the 41-day shooting schedule began Sunday in Jaipur.

This is Akshay's second film with T-Series after "Humko Deewana Kar Gaye".

-*-

Dino Morea 'best kisser' in Bollywood

Actor Dino Morea is slated to take over the mantle of the 'best kisser' in Bollywood from Emraan Hashmi.

Those who have seen the rushes of the film "Bhram" swear that the lip-lock between Dino and model-turned-actress Sheetal Menon is one of the most passionate scenes ever shot in Hindi films.

Though it will be Dino's first on-screen kiss, he is said to have carried it off exceptionally well. Director Pawan Kaul has shot the passion-play between the two actors aesthetically.

According to eyewitnesses, Dino was initially nervous, but once the camera was on, he carried off the kiss quite skilfully.

Both Dino and Sheetal were models, hence they shared a certain comfort level on the sets, said the eyewitness. "In 'Bhram', the kiss is with a twist in the tale, which is great," he added.
 

Governor will speak to PM on Uttar Pradesh: Raj Babbar
 
Lucknow, Feb 19   Bollywood actor-turned-politician Raj Babbar claimed Monday that Uttar Pradesh Governor T.V. Rajeshwar was going to speak to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on the opposition demand for dismissal of the Mulayam Singh Yadav government.

Speaking to mediapersons shortly after calling on the governor at the Raj Bhawan here Monday afternoon, the Jan Morcha leader said: "The governor assured me he would convey the opposition demand for clamping president's rule on the state to the prime minister, who in turn would convene a meeting of his cabinet to take a decision on the issue."

"While our leader Vishwanath Pratap Singh has already sought dismissal of the Mulayam government, I came here to call on the governor and make a written representation in this regard," Babbar told reporters outside Raj Bhawan.

Asked to comment on the continued opposition by the Left to any move to clamp president's rule in Uttar Pradesh, Babbar said: "We are also not in favour of use of Article 356 to dismiss any democratically elected government; but here the case is different."

He said: "In Mulayam's case, it is a question of upholding the spirit of the apex court's order that invalidates the very inception of his government."

Voicing opposition to Mulayam Singh's offer to prove his majority on the floor of the state assembly, Babbar said: "The question of allowing him to do so does not arise as it is an open secret that last time when he proved his majority in the assembly (Jan 24), he had engineered defections by at least 17 MLAs belonging to other parties."

"Giving him an opportunity for floor test would amount to extending him yet another chance to forge defections through horse-trading," he charged.

The Congress and several opposition parties are clamouring for the dismissal of the Uttar Pradesh government in the wake of the Supreme Court disqualifying 13 MLAs of the Bahujan Samaj Party for defecting to Mulayam Singh Yadav in August 2003 to help him form government.
 

At least I'm original: Madhur Bhandarkar
By Subhash K. Jha, 

Mumbai, Feb 18   Madhur Bhandarkar, whose recent film "Traffic Signal" fetched him mixed reviews, doesn't mind being called an offbeat filmmaker, saying, "At least I'm original."

"My films don't make a billion rupees at the box office...But I deserve credit at least for moving away from the clichés of our cinema," Bhandarkar told IANS in an interview.

"People say Madhur is an offbeat filmmaker. I don't mind that. I know how people respond to me at a shopping mall or on the streets. That's my biggest reward and award," he said.

"Whatever I've achieved has been on my own. I had no godfathers or patron saints in the film industry. I know there's hostility towards me. I don't know why it's there. But I know there's hostility towards me," he added.

Excerpts from an interview:

Q: Apparently "Traffic Signal" has opened poorly overseas.

A: Yes, it's a little weak. But "Traffic Signal" isn't targeted at the overseas market. There're no stars in the film. Everywhere else it's doing very well.

Q: It takes audacity to make a de-glam product in this day and age.

A: Yes and I shot in real sunlight. Bahut himmat ki zaroorat hai (one needs a lot of bravery). "Traffic Signal" came in face of films with a heavy gloss. I'm proud to do a slice-of-life work. But if you see my career - from "Chandni Bar" to "Traffic Signal" - I've always explored the less glamorous aspects of life. I'm not a commercial filmmaker at all.

My films don't make a billion rupees at the box office. I keep experimenting with various aspects of life. But I deserve credit at least for moving away from the clichés of our cinema.

Q: Your films also require financial audacity.

A: I never had a problem getting producers once "Chandni Bar" was released. Whether it's "Satta" or "Corporate", I never had to struggle for a producer. None of my films ever lost money. Everyone earns money.

Q: You're accused of selling grass roots to the audience.

A: But "Page 3" and "Corporate" were about the elite class. That was a deliberate attempt to move away from the grass-root image.

Q: But there's a fixed formula to your cinema - clutching at a large gathering of characters, capturing them with their pants down within their given socio-political sphere.

A: Agreed. But at least grant me the credit for exploring different themes and characters. At least I'm original. I've received at least 400 SMS since "Traffic Signal" released. People are praising me for having the guts to make a film without stars - rustic and very real. I don't even have a hit song in the film. Still I'm happy by the response.

Q: The reviews have been pretty mixed.

A: But that's the story of my career! The reviewers didn't even spare my "Chandni Bar". They said it was bleak and pessimistic. "Page 3" they said was like an ongoing party. "Corporate" they said was filled with trade jargon.

Q: Strange, considering how far you've taken mainstream cinema.

A: Whatever I've achieved has been on my own. I had no godfathers or patron saints in the film industry. I know there's hostility towards me.

I don't know why it's there, but I know there's hostility towards me. I'm treated like an orphan in the film industry. But at the end of the day, I'm happy because my producers are making money and I get to make the films I want.

Q: You're also victimised at the awards.

A: Initially, I used to get upset about it. Now it's okay. I agree "Chandni Bar" and "Page 3" got a raw deal at the popular awards. But both films got the national award. To me that's more precious.

Q: You've got money and popularity...

A: Money I haven't got. But I'm definitely happy by the recognition and the success of my films. When I look back, I see this filmmaker who made a film called "Trishakti". When I see my movies I feel I've really achieved a lot. One flop and I'd be back in the doldrums. I'm very happy doing what I'm doing.

People say Madhur is an offbeat filmmaker. I don't mind that. I know how people respond to me at a shopping mall or on the streets. That's my biggest reward and award. Beyond that I'm not a filmi person. I'm into my own world and my own cinema. I've very few friends in the industry. I haven't worked with big stars.

Q: But you've worked with Tabu and Raveena Tandon.

A: Yeah, but I was accused of making woman-oriented films. There's always a sense of discrimination against me. If I've a subject for Hrithik (Roshan) or Abhishek (Bachchan), I'd definitely work with male stars.

In fact, "Traffic Signal" is my first film with a male protagonist. I'm happy Kunal Khemu has been appreciated. People now say Madhur can make a male-oriented film.

Q: Your casting is impeccable.

A: See, once I read the script, I cast according to characters. In "Traffic Signal", I've cast real eunuchs and beggars. I've even cast people from my unit. And the two insurance agents who get beaten up by Sudhir Mishra are played by Joe Rajan who's a travel agency owner and G.K. Desai, a producer of English movies. They also acted as party crashers in "Page 3". Hence the dialogue for them in "Traffic Signal", "Arrey yaar, we earlier used to splurge on free drinks at page three parties, now we're insurance agents."

Q: People missed that in-house joke.

A: Yeah "Page 3" came two years ago.

Q: I found Sudhir Mishra wooden.

A: I wanted him to deadpan through the film. I wanted him to be himself on screen. I think he's commendable.

Q: Some portions in the film were found to be vulgar.

A: You mean the pervert who touches up the beggar? I've done research and know that such things happen. Reality, they say, bites. People can't take harsh reality.

My twins more important than 'Dallas': Gurinder Chadha
By Subhash K. Jha, 

Mumbai, Feb 18   Britain-based Indian filmmaker Gurinder Chadha of "Bend It Like Beckham" fame is in the family way and says she has shelved her next film "Dallas" to prepare for the arrival of her twins.

The expected date of delivery is July 20. "I'm pregnant! I'm expecting twins this summer," Chadha told IANS.

The 47-year-old, who is married to filmmaker Paul Mayeda Berges, never seemed happier.

"And rightly so because no film experience can compare with this. In fact I've put my big project "Dallas" on hold until the babies com e," she exulted as she awaits the D-Day.

Naturally, Chadha is doubly excited about the twins. "You know I'm not one to do things by halves," she joked.

"But twins always arrive early. So I expect I'll be a mom by mid-June," she added.

Talking about the names, she said: "I told Aishwarya Rai that if I've a boy and a girl I'll call them Ash and Abhishek. It's a joke, of course. My husband Paul and I haven't thought of names for our twins."

As for "Dallas", Chadha is still very excited about returning to the project after her pregnancy.

"I had to pull out of the project. But the producers insisted that they want me to do it. I'm still very excited about it. The re-write of the script is on. In the meanwhile, I may do a smaller project which I'll cast and prepare before summer and then shoot in autumn after my maternity leave."

Chadha is also upbeat about receiving the OBE from the Queen.

"It finally happened at the Buckingham Palace. My family was there - my mom, my husband and my godson. Somehow it always feels good to be recognised, specially in Britain which is my adopted home."
 

Bollywood stars get seriously fashionable (WEEKLY ROUNDUP)
By Priyanka Khanna,  

New Delhi, Feb 18   Signature line of clothing that are inspired, crafted and fine-tuned by film stars themselves is the hottest new trend in the world of fashion.

Jennifer Lopez has it and so do Sarah Jessica Parker, Eminem, Britney Spears and loads of other international celebrities, so why should Indian film stars be far behind.

Not content with merely endorsing clothes brands or gracing the opening of clothes stores, hot and happening Bollywood stars are increasingly getting involved with fashion wear at the sketching stage itself.

John Abraham and Hrithik Roshan lead the list when it comes to adding a very personal touch and bringing out signature fashion collections. While John has tied-up with Wrangler, Hrithik is working very closely with ITC in a bid to find a way into your wardrobes.

John's involvement with his own line needs to be seen to believed. Each piece of his collection comes with small notes sticking out from the inside pockets containing personal comments from the actor himself on the design, style and how he came up with the look.

Like John, Hrithik's association with ITC's John Player began as a brand endorsement but has taken a personal turn.

Atul Chand of ITC said in an interview: "The association benefits both. It brings alive the personality of the brand and helps establish a style statement for the star or a specific character the actor is trying to popularise."

Apart from the above two, actor Fardeen Khan, after severing ties as brand ambassador for clothes brand Provogue, is set to launch his own line. Model-actor Milind Soman is even working with designer Madhu Jain to revive handicraft in Kashmir.

The stunning Malaika Arora of "Chaiyya chaiyya" fame has been turning down lucrative offers to sign up as brand ambassador by the dozen. She wants to bring out her own clothing line that will be an extension of her identity.

The linkage between film stars and fashion goes way back. In a nation where film stars are often equated with god, the kings and queens of celluloid have known to influence millions of people who try to think, dress, walk and even talk like them.

There were times when an entire generation of girls would style their hair in line with the hair-do of the leading female actors.

Young boys would ape clothes and even mannerisms of leading actors. Mothers of girls getting married would take posters of films to their tailors for getting wedding trousseaus made.

But at the same time some of the clothes that actors wore were so outlandish that even the most ardent fan would never follow suit. The thought that film stars could get into the clothing industry was once inconceivable.

"Today more than ever before fashion and showbiz go hand-in-hand," says model-actor Samita Bangargi who launched her Fall Winter collection some four months ago.

Samita got involved in the clothes business after she was asked by a jeans brand to design for them. She was quick to recognise the potential in the trade and launched her own brand.


-*-

Given the increasing importance of revenue from brand placement in films and merchandising, the synergy between stars and fashion is set to increase many folds.

According to reports, in 2006 brand cameos earned around Rs.800 million and as a result, even small- and medium-budget movies as well as animated films can hope to cash in.

The figure is projected to climb to Rs.2 billion this year and reach Rs.8 billion in 2010.

Last year, Farhan Akhtar's "Don" tied-up with international men's wear brand Louis Philippe, besides others like Tag Heuer watches, Motorola, Garnier, Citibank and Oakley sunglasses. The long list of brands piggyback riding on "Krrish" included ITC's John Players.

Siddharth Roy Kapoor, senior vice-president, UTV, says that while branding does not contribute significantly to revenues yet, it has enormous potential.

"After 2006's success story, more FMCG brands and durables have woken up to the power of movies as a means to push their products. Companies are increasingly opting for joint promotions."

For UTV's upcoming film "Goal", Reebok worked closely with the film's costume designer to create outfits for the cast.

Besides helping to promote the movie with a media campaign, Reebok would also highlight its association with the movie.

-*-

As Bollywood is turning from gratuitous dance scenes and melodramatic romance to gritty storylines, actors are sporting more realistic looks. The men especially are experimenting with their on-screen look like never before.

Though our actors are yet to go in for drastic moves like Charlize Theron did in award-winning film "Monster", but at least some are going the extra mile to look the part.

Aamir Khan leads the pack with his drive for perfection. Recently, he grew a moustache and gained weight for his title role in "Mangal Pandey" and then he lost the kilos to play a college boy in "Rang De Basanti".

After stunning audiences with dramatically different looks in "Krrish" and "Dhoom 2", Hrithik is now growing a beard for the period look needed for Ashutosh Gowarikar's "Akbar-Jodha".

Even Abhishek Bachchan has been growing his hair for "Jhoom Barabar Jhoom" and "Drona". No more fake wigs and beards for these guys.
 

Actor Saif Ali Khan hospitalised
 

Mumbai, Feb 18   Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan was admitted to a hospital here Sunday evening after he felt unwell while performing in an awards ceremony.

Khan was immediately shifted to the Leelavati Hospital after he complained of chest pain.

Actor Iqbal honeymooned in Maldives to avoid embarrassment
By Subhash K. Jha, 

Mumbai, Feb 19   Television artist Iqbal Khan surprisingly chose not to honeymoon at any of those exotic spots that his new bride Sneha selected on the net because he was not sure he will get a visa.

"After the experience I went through some months ago who knows how the immigration authorities would've reacted to my name," Iqbal told IANS.

The actor, who was seen in series like "Kyun Hota Hai Pyarr" and "Karam Apna Apna", referred to his humiliating experience with the American consulate which rejected his visa plea some months ago arguing that his name suggested terrorist links.

"I'd rather not think about these things. There're enough holiday spots in our own country for my wife and me. We had a week of bliss in the Maldives. And our honeymoon is still on since I'm not working.

The couple is technically back from their honeymoon but they continue to be in the honey-mode.

"We make it a point to watch at least one film every day in the theatre. And if not in the theatre then we watch a DVD. Both Sneha and I have become diehard movie buffs."

He says he is enjoying his break from acting.

"Marriage so far has been an extended honeymoon. There were no adjustments with each other or our families since we've known each other for years now."

Iqbal and Sneha's first post-marriage Valentine's Day was a unique experience.

"We were caught in a traffic jam for hours. So, we spent our Valentine's Day trapped in the traffic. No sweat, as long as we were together."

The actor is working out rigorously and trying to keep himself in shape for his next leap.

"Lately, I had put on a lot of weight. Now when I return viewers will see the taut character Angad that they saw in 'Kyun Hota Hai Pyarr' when I first appeared on television."

Iqbal, who left Ekta Kapoor's Balaji Telefilms in December, has yet to make up his mind about his next work move.

"I've had very tempting offers from Zee, Sony and STAR. But I've said no to all of them. I don't want to go back to doing the same thing. Whatever I do has to be a step forward."

Aditya Pancholi rubbishes link up rumours with Kangana
By Subhash K. Jha, 

Mumbai, Feb 19   Aditya Pancholi controls his shock and anger at the reports allegedly describing Kangana Ranaut as his girlfriend.

"I've been instigated to talk against Kangana. I've been told she has been using me. But that's complete rubbish. In fact, I've forwarded the nasty messages about Kangana to her. Kangana isn't my girlfriend. I never said any such thing. Why would I? I would never speak like that about someone I care so much for. She means so much to me and my family.

"At the same time, I'd like to clear that I'm not her father and my daughter isn't her sister. I've been in this industry for years. I've had so many flings and affairs. I'm not a kiss and tell guy. I did have a temper problem. But I'm not a bad guy. I'm not a conniving guy. And I'm not into women at all for the last five years," Aditya told IANS.

Aditya was last seen in Sanjay Gupta's "Musafir" as inspector Tiger.

So, what's the nature of his friendship with Kangana?

"She's a very dear friend of mine. I know Kangana from the time she came to Mumbai. I was the first person she met. I can swear on my mother nothing would make me happier than to see her successful."

Aditya says he has not done any favours to the actress, who made her mark with debut vehicle film "Gangster - A Love Story" and proved her credentials once again in her second release "Woh Lamhe".

Both the films were based on true-life stories - "Gangster" was about mobster Abu Salem's affair with actress Monica Bedi and the next one was based on Mahesh Bhatt's relationship with Parveen Babi.

"It was her destiny that she met me. When I saw her I was stuck by her honesty and innocence. I knew she could be misled in this industry. Kangana was so naive and pure."

Aditya says he is closer to Kangana's family than her.

"I don't speak to her as much as I do to her father and sister. I speak to Kangana's father at least five times a day. When her sister was attacked I fought for them because I wanted justice done. I didn't want a beautiful girl like Kangana's sister to be ruined.

"Whatever influence I had, I used it to help her. I didn't do it to be given a bravery award. I've only the best intentions for Kangana. If her career goes wrong because of me I'd never forgive myself."

Aditya says he and Kangna share a special bonding but it is not like father-daughter relationship.

"She isn't my girlfriend at all. And I've no control over her life or career. I just worry that she doesn't make any wrong move."

So what happened on that night when Aditya apparently got violent with her on the road?

"At 1 a.m. she was travelling alone on an auto-rickshaw. You tell me, is it right for her to do that when she has been getting death threats? I called her and tried to stop and then came on the scene to take her back. There was no physical violence at all. I wouldn't dare get violent with her.

"You think I've a temper? You should see her when she's mad. I call her 'Jhansi ki Rani'. I'm scared of her. I never touched Kangana or the auto driver. I just asked her to get into the car. Stubbornly she flung my hand away and went across the road and sat in another auto-rickshaw.

"The next morning my wife got a call from a paper saying they've visual evidence that I slapped Kangana. How can I do that? She's like a little delicate child. If people think I'm controlling her life then I swear I'll never meet her. If I can't stop her from going on an auto-rickshaw, how can I tell her which movie to do? I'm so hurt on her account."

Aditya does not want anybody to sling mud at Kangana's character.

"She has worked so hard to get where she is. I don't want anyone to point a finger at her because of me. In my whole life I haven't met anyone as sincere and honest as her. I'll disappear from the face of this earth. But I won't harm her."

Aditya is sorry to have hurt his lovely wife Zarina Wahab.

"She doesn't like my daughter's name dragged into my controversies. Sanaa is a child. She's now leaving for LA to study acting and then she's to pursue her career."

Aditya admits his temper is his biggest flaw.

"My biggest weakness is my temper. I want to act. But I can't and won't do crap work. I don't go anywhere to ask for work. I don't want some child to put on a DVD 50 years from now and wonder who this fool Aditya Pancholi was. I was appreciated in whatever movies I did. And I'd like to leave it at that."
 

No threat for 'Barso re', holds top slot
 
New Delhi, Feb 17   Several new songs have made it to the list but A.R. Rahman's "Barso re" from Mani Ratnam's "Guru" continues to rule the charts and is number one this week too.

The top 10 Hindi songs for the week are:

1. "Barso re" - Film: "Guru"; Music Director: A.R. Rahman; Singer: Shreya Ghoshal. The hugely popular song about welcoming rain retains once again its premier position this week.

2. "Crazy kiya re" - Film: "Dhoom 2"; Music Director: Pritam; Singer: Sunidhi Chauhan. Another Aishwarya Rai song on the list. The fast number sets your foot tapping and is a visual treat as well.

3. "Salaam-e-Ishq" - Film: "Salaam-e-Ishq"; Music Director: Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy; Singers: Sonu Nigam, Shreya Ghoshal, Kunal Ganjawala, Sadhana Sargam and Shankar Mahadevan. Lavishly shot in the true Yash Chopra style, the song has slipped down on the list.

4. "Dilli" - Film: "Delhii Heights"; Music Director: Rabbi Shergill; Singer: Rabbi Shergill. The foot-tapping beats and Shergill's capturing voice make "Dilli" an above average number and quite apt for the movie. The song is meant for Delhiites.

5. "Chakna" - Film"; "Namaste London"; Music Director: Himesh Reshammiya; Singer: Himesh Reshammiya. It is a dance number already doing the rounds in discotheques. The song has beats that make sure listeners enjoy the track even if they are not on a dance floor.

6. "Rozana" - Film: "Nishabd"; Music Director: Vishal Bharadwaj; Singer: Amitabh Bachchan. "Rozana" can be termed as an awesomely romantic and sensuous number.

7. "Main hoon don" - Film: "Don"; Music Director: Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy; Singer; Shaan. The listeners are not yet bored of the stylish song shot on Shah Rukh Khan.

8 "Sajani vaari" - Film: "Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd"; Music: Vishal-Shekhar; Singers: Sunidhi Chauhan and Shekhar Ravjiani. It's a great track with a folk touch. Sunidhi is at her best in the song that has an amazing dance vibe.

9. "Tere bin" - Film: "Bas Ek Pal"; Music Director: Mithoon; Singer: Atif Aslam. The love song burst on the scene months ago and listeners are still lapping it up.

10. "Maula mere" - Film: "Anwar"; Music Director: Mithoon; Singer: Roop Kumar Rathod. The Sufi number laced with romance is doing well.

(Source: The Music Shop, Khan Market, New Delhi)

Abbas-Mustan banking on unusual combo for 'Race'
By Subhash K. Jha, 

Mumbai, Feb 17   Bollywood's prolific directors Abbas-Mustan are casting Saif Ali Khan and Akshaye Khanna for their forthcoming movie "Race", saying that they have never worked with the star duo.

"The movie has Saif and Akshaye as brothers trying to outdo each other. Saif was never seen in a role like the one he'll play in 'Race'. Akshaye too has been cast like never before. But what interests us as filmmakers is how the combination will excite the audience," Abbas told IANS.

Saif is also thrilled to have signed the film that gives him a chance to dance with Akshaye.

He said: "I'm looking forward to working with Akshaye. It would be an interesting mix of different sensibilities. I'm sure the results will be rewarding."

According to a growing belief within the film industry, every star on his or her own spells little magic at the box office. It's the combination that works.

For instance, Priyadarshan's comedy "Bhagam Bhag" held an interest for the audience mainly to see the never-before combo of Govinda and Akshay Kumar.

The director duo says that "Race" has the biggest star-cast they have ever worked with. They have cast Bipasha Basu and Katrina Kaif to play the female leads. The film also has Anil Kapoor.

"For Anil Kapoor we are trying to form an untried pair with some leading lady for him in the movie," said Abbas.

Apparently Mallika Sherawat was to be cast opposite Anil. But the pair has already been seen and rejected in Ram Gopal Varma's "Darna Zaroori Hai".

Abbas-Mustan seem to have got the formula right in "Race".

"We want to continue doing what would excite the audience. Of course, people want us to make suspense thrillers. We'll continue to do the needful. But we need to spice up proceedings within our comfort zone. One way of doing so is to bring stars together like never before.

"While 'Race' will feature an array of stars in combinations and looks never seen before, the new Bobby-Akshaye starrer, we're now shooting, presents our antagonists from 'Humraaz' in totally different roles. Then we have 'Mr. Fraud' where Sanjay Dutt and Ajay Devgan cross swords while Bipasha Basu joins in."

Many other filmmakers are following Abbas-Mustan's formula. Nikhil Advani's "Salaam-e-Ishq" brought unusual combinations like John Abraham-Vidya Balan.

In "Happy Birthday" producer Gaurang Doshi has gone to great lengths to get the hitherto-untried combination of John and Aishwarya Rai. Doshi agrees the two stars individually spell much less magic than in a combination.

In Mani Ratnam's "Lajjo", Aamir Khan and Kareena Kapoor come together for the first time.

"It's not just for the audience. The thrill of working with big stars in a new combination also extends to the director," said Abbas.
 

Marriage is not on Shilpa's card yet
By Subhash K. Jha, 

Mumbai, Feb 17   After winning Britain's reality show "Big Brother", Bollywood actor Shilpa Shetty is inundated with marriage proposals but her mother Sunanda has no intentions of finding an English groom for her.

"Where do these things come from? Knowing my mom, do you think she would ever make a loose statement like that? My mom has better things to do than look for a groom for me. And right now marriage is the last thing on my mind," Shilpa told IANS.

But the actor, who has returned to Britain to complete her commitments, is relishing all the love and affection she is getting these days.

"For me, it's such a feeling of pride as an Indian to be called out by name on the streets of London. My mom had predicted that one day I'd be world famous. Of course, all Bollywood actors are famous across the world. But this? I don't believe it. I feel proud that an Indian is being given so much love and respect."

Interestingly, Shilpa recently got a marriage proposal in the middle of a press meet at the House of Commons in London.

"You know in the midst of all the press interviews suddenly this one guy piped in, 'Can I marry you?' I think he was an Asian, though a lot of Britons are also showing keen interest," she said.

Speaking of her marriage, Shilpa said that British Prime Minister Tony Blair made it a point to watch Shilpa in "Shaadi Karke Phas Gaya Yaar", in which she was paired with Salman Khan.

"He said he saw my movie on Sky TV. That they showed an Indian movie on Sky TV has never happened in the history of Britain. He said he was surfing channels when he came across this movie of mine. And he watched it."

A widely quoted interview from a British paper has Shilpa saying she's in love with a married man who has two children.

"Why would I say such a thing to anyone? I'd love to know who this 'friend' of mine is. I wonder why anyone would want to contrive a man in my life?"
 

Rani, Preity to appear on Holi special of KBC

By Subhash K. Jha,  By Subhash K. Jha, 

Mumbai, Feb 17   One advantage of having Bollywood's reigning superstar Shah Rukh Khan as the host on STAR Plus' popular game show "Kaun Banega Crorepati" (KBC) is he can convince all his buddies to come to the hot seat.

After the star-studded Valentine's Day special, Shah Rukh has just recorded yet another special episode for KBC. This time it's for spring festival of Holi, featuring his two co-stars Preity Zinta and Rani Mukerji.

The episode went off like a charm.

A source from the set told IANS: "There were rumours about a fallout between Preity and Rani who were once best friends. But Shah Rukh has a special knack of making all his heroines feel special."

"Earlier this week on 'Koffee With Karan' Shah Rukh actually made Kajol and her cousin Rani - who self-admittedly don't socialise together - sit together on one sofa and be civil to each other. Now on KBC, Preity and Rani got along like a house on fire."

Though the exact prize money won by the two leading ladies is not known, the sources said they won close to Rs.50 lakhs together.
 

'Eklavya' has a heart for the classics: NYT
 
New York, Feb 17   The New York Times describes Vidhu Vinod Chopra's new film "Eklavya: The Royal Guard" as a sombre drama that clearly has a heart for the classics.

"Dharma, the time-honoured concept of proper conduct, is a recurrent notion" in the film that opened Friday in the New York-New Jersey metropolitan area, said critic Andy Webster.

"...And while the film takes place in the present, it clearly has a heart for the classics, particularly those of eastern philosophy, Shakespeare and genre cinema," he added.

Shakespeare's sonnet ("Shall I compare thee...") is twice invoked in the film and its dark palace interiors and scheming evoke "Macbeth", the influential American daily noted.

But the swooping camera movements, slow motion and dexterous derring-do conjure martial arts movies; arid desert scenes suggest the western; and a spooky confrontation in a villain's screening room almost plays like the 1960 British thriller "Peeping Tom", it said.

"The main tribute in the 'Guard', however, is to Mr. Bachchan, an aging Bollywood monument (and father of the rising actor Abhishek Bachchan), whose sunken, heavy-lidded eyes, grizzled countenance and noble bearing indisputably convey the presence of a seasoned star," Webster said.
 

History Channel to bring back 'Bollywood Bosses'
By Arpana, 

New Delhi, Feb 17   In its march into the entertainment segment, History Channel will showcase Bollywood directors in a special series - "Bollywood Bosses" - from Monday to put the spotlight on top directors of the Hindi film industry.

The programme will be aired every weeknight at 10 p.m. till Feb 24. According to media sources, History Channel has bought the rights of the original series that was earlier telecast on BBC channel.

"The channel is moving to entertainment from infotainment and this is one of the steps that takes it in that direction," they said.

"Bollywood Bosses" takes a look at the careers of some of the biggest directors - Farhan Akhtar, Karan Johar, Yash Chopra, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Ram Gopal Varma, Mahesh Bhatt, Subhash Ghai and Vidhu Vinod Chopra - who have redefined the Hindi film industry.

"It is an attempt to understand why they are making that kind of cinema. Also, what are the things that distinguish them from other directors," Anita Horam, director of the show, told IANS.

The series will look back at the lives of the filmmakers and share the story of their journey - their struggles, box office lows, financial disasters - to finally finding unparalleled success.

"We have not tried to peep into their personal life so much, but yes we have brought forth their personal experiences that impact their cinema. Like when we were shooting Sanjay Leela Bhansali, we went to the chawl where he was born and brought up. When we talked to him we tried to explain how his past experiences had affected his movies, which are grand and magnificent," Horam added.

Out of all the directors, Bhansali's episode was her favourite, says Horam. But she also confessed that she didn't have any problem convincing the directors.

"We thought we would have problems because these directors are hard pressed for time, but fortunately it went off very smoothly."

Horam, who has produced the show along with Ruchir Joshi, revealed it wasn't an expensive show.

"The show is a great example of the kind of entertaining programming that the History Channel offers its viewers," said Joy Bhattacharjya, senior vice president (programming).
 

No plans to be president, says Amitabh
By Subhash K. Jha, 

Mumbai, Feb 17   Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan has dismissed rumours that he would contest the next presidential elections, saying he's "just not interested".

The Samajwadi Party's reported intention to field the Big B as its candidate for presidency has the mega-star touched who, however, minced no words to say he wanted to stay out of politics.

Amitabh said: "I'm deeply humbled and touched by the thought. But I'm not worthy of such a distinguished post of responsibility. Besides no such offer or proposal has come my way yet."

"I've constantly maintained politics is not my cup of tea. That's unlikely to change. There're many other ways of making oneself useful to the country and the society besides politics," he added.

  
IANS