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Mallika gets thumbs up from Sushmita
By Subhash K. Jha

Mumbai, July 9 The intrepid Mallika Sherawat has an unlikely supporter in Sushmita Sen who is quite impressed with her "spirit and spunk".

"I really think she has a lot of spirit and spunk and tremendous audacity," Sushmita told IANS.

"To have come from where she has and to establish her own identity, and to have that kind of spirit couldn't be easy. But she has done it," she added.

Tell her Mallika speaks of Sushmita as some kind of a role model, and the actress smiles. "Really? I haven't met Mallika but the little that I know of her, I like her."
  

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Mallika, who is transcending borders with Bill Bannerman's "Unveiled", seems to subscribe to Sushmita's school of thought.

"I don't know what Mallika's thoughts are. But I feel every role I've played so far has been a stepping stone towards the goal that I've set for myself. To get to a summit you need to climb step by step. I think I've been climbing the stairs very steadily."

Talking about her journey in Bollywood, Sushmita said that she knew she would have to work hard to reach the top since the beginning. She never expected instant success.

"Not for a minute did I believe I had to be Madhuri Dixit just because I came into the film industry as Miss Universe. I knew I had to work hard to get there. Some people get there more easily than others. But that's life. Maybe I've made some major mistakes in my career. And I continue to make them even today. But that's part of the growing experience."

So what keeps Sushmita going and growing?

"The one thing that nourishes me constantly is my self identity. I'm very comfortable with who and what I am. I am an actress only when the camera is switched on. The minute it's over I go back to being myself.

"I don't make an effort to make other people comfortable. I feel I can't be an image for people. I have to be a real person. I have to be absolutely me."

Ask her what 'absolutely me' is, and she said: "Absolutely me is tonnes of contradictions. It's being an enigma even to myself at times. It's someone only I knew, and that too once in a while."
 
Anjan gives reel life to Kolkata's Anglo-Indians
By Arpana

New Delhi, July 9 Many stories are waiting to be transformed into gripping cinema, but the challenge is to find the right filmmaker. The fading world of Kolkata's Anglo Indian community seems to have found him in Anjan Dutt whose "Bow Barracks Forever" brings to screen the drama and pathos of the people living in one of the city's oldest buildings.

"People of Bow Barracks invited me for a Christmas celebration. They wanted to raise funds for the repair of the building.

"When I got in that world, I was really fascinated by it. It doesn't have the feel of traditional Kolkata. I felt that I have to tell their story," Dutt said about his Victor Banerjee-Moon Moon Sen starrer that releases July 20.

Built for the soldiers of the World War II, Bow Barracks was handed over to the Calcutta Improvement Society (CIS) and has since been home to hundreds of families, mostly Anglo Indians.

"The building is crumbling. CIS has refused to repair it. The real estate agents are eyeing it because it is a goldmine for them. But if it comes down, Kolkata loses its heritage. Bow Barracks needs to be protected," Dutt told IANS.

"Anglo-Indians are rare species, yeh, I call them species, and we need to protect them," said Dutt, adding that it was one of the oldest buildings of the city and produced some fine hockey players and musicians.

Dutt, whose satirical comedy "Bong Connection" has just released, said that his new film, which is in English, has no political connotations.

"This is not a political story - it's a touching tale of people and their home. I have tried to be as truthful as possible. I have kept the dialect intact. I haven't tried to glorify them. I have shown that despite their quarrels, they are loving souls.

"This is a wonderful story about people hanging on to their homes. Mostly poor... rich ones have migrated. I went there in 2000 and slowly made friends with them. Then I started making the film and finished it in 2005."

The choice of the themes and background of Dutt's films have much to do with his background.

"I grew up in a cosmopolitan Kolkata and Anglo Indians played an important role in my life. My teachers, friends, girl friends were all Anglo Indians."

Dutt, who chose and pick the actors with utmost care, is introducing a new face, Clayton Rodgers, in "Bow Barracks Forever".

"I wanted actors who had some sort of Anglo Indian connection and can pick up the dialect quickly. And most of my actors have some sort of connection except the main lead. I found Clayton in a school and he is marvellous in the film. People from Bow Barracks have also worked in it."

He says that he is presenting Moon Moon Sen in a different avatar in the film.

"I took Moon Moon Sen because she is extremely funny. So far she has been playing typical roles of sister etc., but this film will see her in a different light. As far as Lillete Dubey is concerned, it was Aparna Sen who asked me to cast her. She said, 'Don't look anywhere, go and sign her'."

In fact, Aparna Sen also gave a feeling insight into Kolkata's Anglo Indians in her classic "36 Chowringhee Lane", which had Jennifer Kendall portraying a lonely schoolteacher with only her cat for company.

Dutt calls his film, which also has Sabyasachi Chakravarthy and Neha Dubey, a family circus.

"I have directed the film, my son is the composer and my wife is the stylist. Most of the clothes are stitched by a tailor living in Bow Barracks."

Next up is a Hindi film called "BBD", about three individuals - Binoy, a young model-actor from Mumbai, Badal, a hard-boiled Kolkata cop and Dennis, an ex-rock musician who migrated to the US, all three thrown together due to the most unusual circumstances.
 
I'm lucky dad launched me: Harman Baweja (Interview)
By Subhash K. Jha

Mumbai, July 9 Though his debut movie "Love Story 2050" is still under way, Harman Baweja, producer Harry Baweja's son, has been voted the most anticipated newcomer of 2007 in a Filmfare poll. He is surprised at having beaten Ranbir Kapoor, the son of Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Singh, in the race.

"I'm very surprised because Ranbir is being launched by the 'magician' Sanjay Leela Bhansali whereas I'm being launched by my father. Of course, Harry Baweja is a big name. But people don't take doting fathers seriously."

"However, I'm lucky to have my dad launch me in a film as huge as 'Love Story 2050'. It's definitely one of the most expensive films produced in the country," he added.

Harman has not only left behind Ranbir but is being constantly compared with heartthrob Hrithik Roshan as well.

Asked how he reacts to comparisons, Harman said: "I find these premature comparisons very immature. It's extremely unfair to me to be compared to a guy who is eight years and 25 films ahead of me. I'm just a new kid on the block. Hrithik knows all the tricks of the trade."

Harman is all praises for his co-star Priyanka Chopra.

"She's an extremely challenging co-star and a seasoned trouper in front of me. She's worked with the likes of Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan and Hrithik Roshan. She's a very helpful co-star. A lot of the credit for what I've done in 'Love Story 2050' goes to her. She always pointed out my mistakes."

Excerpts:

Q: You've been voted the most promising newcomer, ahead of Ranbir Kapoor.

A: I'm surprised, very surprised because Ranbir is being launched by the magician Sanjay Leela Bhansali whereas I'm being launched by my father. Of course, Harry Baweja is a big name. But people don't take doting fathers seriously.

However, I'm lucky to have my dad launch me in a film as huge as "Love Story 2050". It's definitely one of the most expensive films produced in this country. It's your typical hardcore commercial film...but with a twist. Half the film is F-X, all done internationally. We're ready to release towards the end of the year.

Q: How was it working with Priyanka Chopra in your very first film?

A: She's an extremely challenging co-star and a seasoned trouper in front of me. She's worked with the likes of Shah Rukh, Salman Khan and Hrithik Roshan. She's a very helpful co-star. A lot of the credit for what I've done in "Love Story 2050" goes to her. She always pointed out my mistakes.

Q: And did you listen to her?

A: Of course, I took her advice, and my dad and my cameraman. I've been brought up to be obedient.

Q: How do you react to being compared with Hrithik Roshan?

A: I find these premature comparisons very immature. It's extremely unfair for me to be compared to a guy who is eight years and 25 films ahead of me. I'm just a new kid on the block. Hrithik knows all the tricks of the trade. I've just started.

Q: Maybe you're compared with him because your debut "Love Story 2050" resembles "Krrish"?

A: Wait and see, "Love Story 2050" is nothing like anything we've ever seen. On the script level it has even been registered at the American Guild Of Writers as a totally unique experience. My dad wrote this script long back.

He wanted to make it with another actor in 2000, just like I believe Hrithik's dad wrote his debut "Kaho Naa...Pyaar Hai" for another actor. Maybe it was meant to be the perfect rain check for me. My parents have always pampered me with the most lavish gifts. Dad always spoilt me silly. But this one beats them all.

Q: It's a sci-fi thriller, isn't it?

A: Sort of. When we tossed the idea at our friends everyone was like saying, "Dude, what are you attempting?" Luckily, we knew what we were doing. Now when the film is ready everyone is saying, "Dude, it's a great idea. Why didn't we make it first?"

Q: Frightened by the expectations?

A: Expectations only add another engine to my rocket. I always feel there's room for improvement. My mom taught me one thing - she said that it is easy to achieve 90 percent of your potential. It's the last 10 percent that needs real working on. The last lap is a mammoth task.

Q: Your dancing skills are being compared with Hrithik?

A: Ganesh Hegde and Ahmed Khan have choreographed all my dances in my debut film. I believe I've developed my own style of dancing and it's very different from what the other A-1 dancers Hrithik and Shahid Kapur do on screen. I'm sure I'll be able to create my own dancing and acting niche.

Q: You've assisted your dad through many of his films...

A: Yes, I have. I helped my dad first with his "Deewane". But that doesn't mean I'm equipped to direct a film. Maybe a decade from now I'd direct a film. I've a long way to go as an actor.

By being knowledgeable about behind-the-camera goings-on I certainly didn't become knowledgeable as an actor. You can watch movies all your life but it doesn't mean you can direct films.

Q: Final thoughts?

A: Still lots to do. Each time I sit down on the editing of "Love Story 2050" I feel I could've done better.
 
Pritam bounces back with 'Naqaab' (Music Review)
By Meghna Menon

Film: "Naqaab"; Music Director: Pritam Chakraborty; Lyricist: Sameer; Singers: Sonu Nigam, Sunidhi Chauhan, Javed Ali, Alisha Chinai, Zubin Garg, Krishna; Ratings: **1/2

Abbas-Mustan, who return to the screens with thriller "Naqaab", made a safe bet with Pritam as their composer. Keeping the subject of the film in mind, the composer brings on a lot of instruments to do the talking and artistes who possess different yet likeable voices, unlike the usual 'Udits' and 'Alkas'. A fine album, "Naqaab" should do well in the markets.

The beginning of the track "Ek Din Teri Rahoon" has the nuances of "Kaho na Kaho" from "Murder". But the song proves to be good in its own way though not better than the original "Murder" song.

A 'thrill-romantic' number, the lyrics deserve special mention for complying with the theme of the movie and yet, keeping the romance intact, the credit for which goes to Sameer. The musical notations of the song are grand and the one-man crooning of Ali has done well for the entire composition.

"Aa dil se dil mila" goes 180 degrees from the previous track as it gives you the impression of being shot in a beach or someplace similar. And who else could deliver this track better but the "kajra re" queen Alisha Chinai. But here's the twist. The song is a 'Bollywood-styled' beach number, in the sense that it's a big mixture of Punjabi, Sufi and Bollywood music.

Pritam brings on Krishna, whose voice resembles Kailash Kher, for the Sufi bits. He has done quite a good job.

Next comes "Aye dil paagal mere", which complies with the theme of "Naqaab", what with its passion-centric music, Sonu Nigam's stimulating vocals and Sameer's flowing lyrics. With a bit of rock accompanying the vocals, the track is interesting to hear for the first time but not the kind to be downloaded.

It is followed by a completely instrumental number. "Disguised intention", the catch line of the film, comes as a final piece. A racy track, and surely a key component of the film, "Disguised intentions" is a collaboration of various instruments and a compilation of various sounds from the previous tracks to give it a familiar touch with a thriller stroke.

After a couple of disappointments, Pritam seems to have recovered well and given a credible soundtrack to the makers of "Naqaab". The tracks will surely keep the audiences on alert while watching the film.

 
Oriya film star arrested for allegedly torturing wife
Indo-Asian News Service

Bhubaneswar, July 9 Oriya film star Chandan Kar was arrested from his residence here for allegedly torturing his wife for dowry, police said Monday.

Kar, who played the lead role in the recent Oriya film "Babu I Love You" was demanding a luxurious car (a Honda City) and a costly television set from the parents of his wife Sridevi Mishra, Bilashini Naik, inspector in charge of the Mahila police station (Women police station) here, told IANS.

Police arrested the 26-year-old actor after his wife lodged a complaint Sunday, Naik said.

Kar, who also works in a software company, had married Sridevi in March this year.

"I had brought some gold ornaments, costly furniture, electronic gadgets and several other household items as dowry," Sridevi, daughter of a government employee, said.

"But my husband and his family including his parents were not happy. They were pressing me to bring a car and a television," she said.

She is now living with her parents.
 
Child artiste Ahsaas saving grace in 'My Friend Ganesha' (Review)
By Arpana

Film: "My Friend Ganesha"; Director: Rajiv S. Ruia; Cast: Kiran Janjani, Sheetal Shah, Upasana Singh, Ahsaas Channa and Aarya; Ratings: **

A children's film need not be illogical and dull; it can be smart, intelligent, educating and thoroughly entertaining. And if it has animated characters, it can be all the more fun. However, director Rajiv S. Ruia's offering "My Friend Ganesha" has nothing of that.

The film revolves around a lonely child, Aashu, whose parents are too busy to spend time with him. In school, too, there is no scope for company because Aashu's classmates are bullies and trouble him.

So, the only company he has is his maid Gangubai, who is a good storyteller and a devotee of Lord Ganesha. One day she tells him about Lord Ganesha and his pet rat.

The story brings hope to little Aashu and he asks his parents to bring Ganesha home. The timing also coincides with the annual Ganesha festival. Initially, his parents, who are going through a crisis, refuse to oblige him, but they later fulfil his wish.

Once the idol of Ganesha is brought home, Aashu is elated. He feels he now has a friend and he also solves various problems of the family with the help of the god.

Child artiste Ahsaas Channa, a girl who is passed off as a boy in films and played Shah Rukh Khan's son in "Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna", is the saving grace. She gives the senior actors in the film a run for their money.

The script is weak and everything seems overdone. While the film does highlight issues like the loneliness and struggle of a single child whose parents are working, the solution it provides lacks conviction and practicality.

The success of "Hanuman" triggered off a trend of animation films in India, but so far none could repeat its magic. The animation in "My Friend Ganesha" is not so good and fails to enhance the storyline.

The scenes with Ahsaas stand out but the rest of the film is insipid. Upasana Singh in the role of the maid is too loud.

Overall, the film leaves you disappointed.

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IANS