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Shilpa gets Rs.30 mn to join 'Big Brother'
By Subhash K Jha, 

Mumbai, Dec 27   After scorching the Indian screen, Shilpa Shetty is set to sizzle on Britain's reality show "Big Brother". She has reportedly been offered Rs.30 million for her participation.

The Indian version of "Big Brother" is currently running on Sony TV as "Bigg Boss" which is produced by Endemol, the company that produces "Big Brother" internationally.

Shilpa joins "Big Brother" from Jan 1 and spends the next 25 days on the show. The actress has been forbidden from talking about it, but a reliable source said that she has been paid the equivalent of a whopping Rs.30 million to be the only Bollywood participant on the show.

The source told IANS: "When Shilpa was approached she was completely taken by surprise. She had made no overtures to Endemol to let them know she was interested in their show at all. But 'Big Brother' made inquiries.

"They wanted their first Bollywood entry into the show and they needed someone with a smart, sexy look and attitude, someone who could converse fluently in English. Asians make up about 80 percent of viewers of the show."

Shilpa, who had other plans for Christmas and New Year, has quickly cancelled them to accommodate the month-long stint away from home.

Says a close friend of the actress: "Shilpa is basically a home bird and she's dreading this long stay with strangers. But she's also excited because it's an honour to be on 'Big Brother'. Not like its Indian counterpart 'Bigg Boss' where any and every wannabe was a contestant. 'Big Brother' has the biggest celebrities in the world."

Before signing the contract Shilpa found out how voyeuristic the show is expected to be. She need not worry: there will be no cameras in the bathroom and the celebrities on the show won't be required to act sleazy at all.
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'Anwar' is about love and communal unrest

New Delhi, Dec 27   After his box office dud "Fun - Can be Dangerous Sometimes", Siddharth Koirala, actress Manisha Koirala's brother, is trying to find a foothold in Bollywood with "Anwar", a Hindi film about the plight of Muslims.

Directed by Manish Jha, the film that releases Friday is a love story against the backdrop of communal unrest and violence. Siddharth plays the title role.

The film's focal point is Anwar, a young sensitive Muslim boy who is an artist by profession and sees the world in a romantic light.

Anwar's life revolves around his girlfriend Mehru (Nauheed Cyrusi), his mentor Master Pasha (Vijay Raaz) and friend Udit (Hiten Tejwani).

The happy Anwar gets a rude shock when his mentor, girlfriend and best buddy abandon him. He is shattered and his faith in humanity is shaken.

Unable to face the reality, Anwar runs away from his home and takes shelter in a dilapidated building, only to wake up the next morning to find his world turned upside down.

He is mistaken for a terrorist and taken into custody. Anwar finds himself in a set of circumstances that shows the true face of modern India.

Manisha stars as a tough journalist.

Films based on communal problems are not very popular in India. Therefore its chances of making it big at the box office are dim.
 

Ayushka Singh crowned Miss India USA 2006
 
New York, Dec 27   Ayushka Singh, a student from Las Vegas, has been crowned Miss India USA 2006, the longest running Indian pageant outside the country that celebrated its silver anniversary this year.

Singh, 19, a second year student representing Nevada state, will represent USA in the 16th Annual Miss India Worldwide Pageant to be held in March 2007.

She was crowned by outgoing Miss India USA 2005 and current Miss India Worldwide, Trina Chakravarty at a glittering function organised Dec 24 by the New York-based India Festival Committee (IFC)at the Royal Albert's Palace, Fords, New Jersey.

Singh, who enjoys reading adventurous novels and dancing to ethnic tunes,also won the title of Miss Beautiful Smile as well as Best Talent playing the dhol and dancing to the music of "Bombay Dreams". On graduation, Singh plans to pursue a career in pharmacy.

Nisha Mirchandani, 25 of New York and Ankita Baxi of Illinois were declared first and second runner up among 26 contestants in the gala event attended by over 600 people. Shilpa Mamidi of California and Richa Gangopadhyay of Michigan were the other two of the five finalists.

Winners of the various sub-contests were Hardeep Chahil of Michigan - Miss Photogenic, Soni Kumar of Missouri - Miss Beautiful Eyes, Richa Gangopadhyay of Michigan - Miss Congeniality and Farah Majid of Florida - Miss Popularity.

IFC founder Dharmatma Saran presented appreciation plaque to Albert Jasani of Royal Albert's Palace, Sudhir Vaishnav of Sahara One and Jayesh Metha of Aum Events for their support in organising the event. The other major sponsors of the event were Air India, Maaza Beverages and American Airlines.

The panel of judges included Dr. Neena Malhotra, cultural counsellor from the Indian consulate, Dr. Shashi Agarwal,cardiologist, Toral Mehta from the hit show Apprentice, Farook Khan,national director Miss India South Africa and Hordy Cheng,supermodel.
 

Amrita-Kareena friends forever
By Swati R. Chaudhary, 

Mumbai, Dec 27   Amrita Arora's budding camaraderie with Kareena Kapoor comes as a surprise amid the alleged catfights and bickering in Bollywood.

And Amrita says that their friendship defies the notion that two actresses can never be friends, reports Bollywood Trade.

"I adore Kareena. We are very close and I hope to maintain my friendship with her," said Amrita effusively, adding: "Bebo and I are an example of the fact that two actresses can be friends."

Kareena too is all praise for Amrita.

"I really like that girl. She's fun, easy-going, hassle-free and honest - just like me. I make friends for life. For example, my best friend has been with me from school. Amrita too will remain with me," Kareena is quoted as saying in an interview.

Amrita is upfront about all her relationships and her equation with cricketer Usman Afzal is no different.

Unlike other actors, she neither denies being in a relationship nor dismisses it as the customary "we are just friends" justification.

"Firstly, you wouldn't be in a relationship if you're ashamed of it. Usman is a great guy. He has been very supportive and pushes me to do better. Usman and I compliment each other," said Amrita.
 

Playing a Taliban was challenging: Pakistan's Salman
By Arpana, 

New Delhi, Dec 27   Pakistani actor Salman Shahid's performance as a Taliban guerrilla running for his life in "Kabul Express" was as moving as the heart wrenching portrayal in the film of the Afghanistan situation.

"It was challenging to play a Taliban, that's what made it fun. Challenging for me politically because it needed a delicate balance, as a character as well as in terms of the point of view vis-à-vis of who started the Taliban - Pakistan or Afghanistan," Salman told IANS in an interview.

Salman, who deftly portrayed the dilemma of a Pakistani soldier Imraan who is forced to join the Taliban, partly agrees with the notion that Pakistan is responsible for the Taliban movement.

"It is true that Pakistan supported Taliban at the behest of the US. Pakistanis gave them a script and used them. But the fact of the matter is that Taliban grew out of Afghanistan. What the film doesn't show is why the Taliban is still so popular. They still have a following in Afghanistan and this aspect is overlooked in the film," said Salman.

"The war has not finished yet as resurgence from the south border has started again," he added.

Commenting upon the culture and status of women in war-torn Afghanistan, Salman said: "It is a segregated world and the cultural difference was partially explained in the film. It is a totally male chauvinistic society. You don't see a single girl in the interiors (of the country).

"When my character Imraan goes to meet his daughter in the movie, it shows just boys playing outside. The reality is almost the same. Even small girls, who are four-five years old, are not allowed to step outside."

But Salman says the situation is a little better in the capital.

"In Kabul you will find young girls moving around, wearing the latest fashion. While at the press conference of 'Kabul Express' I saw a couple of girls holding cameras, but not so in the interiors."

On relations between India and Pakistan, Salman feels that it is not possible for moviemakers to lift the political barrier between the two neighbours though in the past few years some Indian filmmakers have tried to bring cultural unity by transcending the borders.

"The Indian actors and directors collaborate with Pakistani film stars and start goodwill campaigns and open a channel, but you can't expect Bollywood to make political moves.

"This kind of cultural and intellectual exchange has been existing since independence among scholars and writers of both countries. Even after partition there was a level of understanding among the artistes and intellectuals who found like-minded people across the border. Even today they read about each other, appreciate each other's works. But nobody gets to know about it because it is not a popular culture, like cinema."

Describing "popular culture", Salman says: "It depends on cultural values and the level of education of masses. Cinema is a popular culture and whatever films people do, it gets noticed - whether Meera comes here or me, it makes news."

Salamn, a regular visitor to India, says he has met veteran filmmakers like Gulzar and Mrinal Sen at international film festivals.

"This is not my first visit to India. I have friends and I have been coming to India off and on but not as frequently as for this film."

Salman bagged his role in "Kaabul Express" through a friend in Mumbai.

"I have a friend in Mumbai, Saniya. She knows me and has worked with me in a serial. The director Kabir Khan was looking for someone for the role and Saniya told him about me. I came over, and we met. They already had some idea about my work and then it got going."

Salman is very keen to work in more Indian films.

"I would love to work with Shyam Benegal. I would also like to work with Shabana Azmi, Naseeruddin Shah but probably in more sensible films like 'Kabul Express', which is different from the other commercial films."

Salman said he would also love to make a film on Afghanistan.

The actor was earlier seen with Kirron Kher in Pakistani director Sabiha Sumar's "Khamosh Paani".
 

German actress signed on for 'Drona'
 
Mumbai, Dec 27   Filmmaker Goldie Behl has signed on German actress Suzanne Bernert for his next production "Drona".

Suzanne, of "Kasauti Zindagi Kay" fame, is shooting for the film in Prague, after which she will proceed to Rajasthan for five days.

"Drona" also stars Abhishek Bachchan, Priyanka Chopra, Jaya Bachchan and Kay Kay Menon.

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Anjana ready to scorch big screen

After doing over 40 commercials, model Anjana Sukhani is making her big screen debut with Nikhil Advani's second film "Salaam-E-Ishq".

"The 'Salaam-E-Ishq' experience has been a beautiful one and I was treated like a princess on the sets. I think I am blessed because I come from a non-filmy family and still
got such a big break so soon," said Anjana, who has featured in advertisements for Coca-Cola, Sunsilk and Onida.

She is being paired with Bollywood's seasoned actor Anil Kapoor.

"Anjana is ready to set screens on fire with her sensual and seductive dance on the remixed version of yesteryear's hit 'Babuji dheere chalna'," said an informed source.


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Two more awards for 'Dombivali Fast'

Marathi director Nishikant Kamat's psycho-thriller "Dombivali Fast" has bagged two more awards at the Asian Festival of First Films in Singapore.

The film, which has already won 36 awards at international and national festivals, walked away with the best producer award for Sameer and Ramakant Gaikwad, while
Kamat was named best director.

The film stars Sandeep Kulkarni and Shilpa Tulaskar in pivotal roles.

After hitting the bull's eye with "Dombivali Fast", Gaikwad's production house Swadeshi Entertainment is now training their camera on Bollywood. They are currently
producing a Hindi film starring Jimmy Shergill and Kim Sharma called "Chhodon Naa Yaar".

Deepak plans a film on 'Bigg Boss' experiences
By Subhash K. Jha,

Mumbai, Dec 26   The unreal experience as a contestant on Sony TV's "Bigg Boss" game show has given "Oops!" director Deepak Tijori a new creative impetus.

"Being a filmmaker I was totally intrigued by the mind games being played in that house. I went there as a filmmaker and, yes, I want to make a film based on my experiences," Tijori told IANS.

"The experience plays on your mind. It's something I recommend to everyone. What viewers saw were the images created for the outside. What we go through in that house is quite another experience," revealed Tijori.

Tijori is the only contestant on "Bigg Boss" who has been evicted without any bitterness in his attitude.

"There were some lovely people in there," said Tijori who was called in after Salil Ankola was suddenly evicted.

"I was supposed to start a film with Dino Morea and Jimmy Shergill. It came as a sudden offer. I didn't know what to do. But two things convinced me. One was my curiosity as a filmmaker. The more important reason for my being there was my daughter. After she saw me in 'Ghulam' and 'Khiladi', my daughter couldn't bear to see me bloody. She never watched any of my movies. Not even 'Kabhi Haan Kabhi Na', although she's a diehard Shah Rukh Khan fan.

"When this offer came to me, my daughter wanted me to go on 'Bigg Boss'. She likes the show. She has been watching me and she's seen me doing things I've never done before - like jump in the swimming pool. The boys got me into exercising. My New Year resolution is to lose several kilograms, so I can get back to acting."

But Tijori was keen to be out of "Bigg Boss".

"I knew most of them at 'Bigg Boss'. I did know Rahul Roy, Kashmira Shah, Rakhi Sawant (Rakhi worked with me in 'Khamosh'), Ravi Kishan and Rupali Ganguly from before. But I saw them in completely new avatars. It was quite a shocker for me. For the last two weeks I was desperate to come out. I wish I could have come out Thursday. It was my wife's birthday."

No one has a bad word to say about Tijori.

"At first Aryan Vaid was upset with me. But as a filmmaker I taught all of them about camera placement and how to avoid being stared at by the camera lenses.

"As a director I'm enriched by the experience on 'Bigg Boss'. I'm totally equipped to make a 'Bigg Boss' film. I've already discussed it with the boys inside. I salute the guys who've brought 'Bigg Boss' to this country."

The reality show has everything to keep the audience hooked - suspense, drama and catty comments. Thirteen people from different walks of life are put together into a house erected in Kazarat Studio, about 300 km away from Mumbai.

Hidden cameras capture the conflicts and ego clashes of the participants. Every week, one person who is unable to cope with the situation will be eliminated. The lone survivor at the end of three months will go on to win the Rs.5 million prize money.

 

Hope people will like me in my comeback film: Madhuri (INTERVIEW)
By Subhash K. Jha,  

Mumbai, Dec 26   A mother of two now, Madhuri Dixt is excited at the prospect of returning to the silver screen after five years and says she chose Yash Chopra's banner for the occasion because she is comfortable with them.

"Yash-ji has worked wonderfully well with married actresses before. Whether it's Raakhee-ji-Waheeda-ji in 'Kabhi Kabhie' or Kajol in 'Fanaa', he's aware and sensitive to the schedules and needs of an actress who is a wife and a mother," Madhuri told IANS in an interview.

Cinematographer Anil Mehta will direct Madhuri's comeback vehicle.

"My comeback film has a bit of everything in it. Hopefully, it will be something that people will like to see me back in."

Madhuri, who has decided not to do more than two films a year, is not apprehensive about changes in the industry.

"I've heard the change is for the better. Everyone's more disciplined. That makes things easier for me. I'd be able to work better. To be a part of this phase, when so much is happening, is a challenging thought."

The film is expected to go on the floors in January.

Excerpts:

Q: Everyone is truly excited about your return in a Yash Raj Films' project?

A: Yes, my comeback film has a bit of everything in it. Hopefully, it will be something that people will like to see me back in.

Q: Why is cinematographer Anil Mehta directing it?

A: Firstly, when they narrated the script to me I was deeply excited. I felt this would be the right film to do after a long break. The way the story is written is quite interesting.

I've worked with Yash Raj Films before and they know me so well. They know I'd never cause unnecessary delays. More importantly, Yash-ji has worked wonderfully well with married actresses before. Whether it's Raakhee-ji-Waheeda-ji in "Kabhi Kabhie" or Kajol in "Fanaa", he's aware and sensitive to the schedules and needs of an actress who's a wife and a mother. Things may be a little out of the timetable once in a while. And I feel comfortable with them.

Q: What was your husband's reaction to your decision to return to movies?

A: He's fully supportive of whatever I do. He feels I should have no regrets in life. He feels one's talent shouldn't be suppressed.

Q: Any nervousness about taking away from your kids' time?

A: I'm extremely nervous. But there comes a time in a woman's life when she needs to think of a world outside her home. There're so many women all over the world who work and manage a career. My children are the most important part of my life. But they are growing and need to be a little independent.

Also, my shooting in India will give the kids a chance to get in touch with their roots, to be in the country of their origins. They'll be with my family and they'll meet with their cousins. I think they'll have fun.

Q: How much time can you give to acting?

A: Well, once my two kids start going to school they won't be able to travel with me to India. Therefore, I thought this would be a good opportunity. I wasn't desperate to get back to work. But I've worked for so many years that it's become inbred in me. So, the thought of returning does excite me.

Q: Everyone missed you after your last film "Devdas". Did you miss films?

A: I don't miss the adulation or the glamour, though it's great to know people still miss me. What I missed was being in front of a camera and assuming various characters. Yeah, I missed that. I'm glad to have that back.

Of course, those five years away from the camera have been very, very rewarding. I always wanted children and a family. It was a big part of my dream. I thoroughly enjoyed that whole phase. Now, that the kids are growing up, I can take a little time off for myself.

Q: How old are the kids?

A: The older one is four-and-a-half-years-old and the younger is one-and-a-half-years-old. And there's no question of leaving them behind in the US. I can't imagine my life without them. They'll come with me to Mumbai.

Q: Looking back at your truckload of blockbusters, are you satisfied?

A: Ask any actor, they'll tell you they've a long way to go. To be satisfied with what you've done isn't the way to move ahead. There's always something better around the corner.

Q: When do you start shooting?

A: Sometime in January 2007. And we'll be done in three-four months.

Q: Then it's the return of Madhuri Dixit?

A: I'm doing this without any thought for the repercussions. I just want to enjoy the feeling of facing the camera.

Q: Any apprehensions about how much cinema has changed since you last showed up?

A: I've heard the change is for the better. Everyone's more disciplined. That makes things easier for me. I'd be able to work better. To be a part of this phase, when so much is happening, is a challenging thought.

Q: Any more projects?

A: Right now I'll just focus on this project, test the waters and see how the audience and I react. This film will give me the confidence to make further career decisions.

Q: Have you met up with your director Anil Mehta as yet?

A: No I haven't. But I'm very familiar with his work as a cinematographer. In fact, when I had to do my ad films for Himami, I had asked for him. But he was very busy. We just have to see what happens.
 

Kangana's sartorial blues
 
Mumbai, Dec 26   Bollywood's emerging talent Kangana Ranaut has made a premature New Year resolution that she will never wear a sari.

"I wore the apparel for the first time in my life for Emraan Hashmi's wedding reception. And I could've died of suffocation! I couldn't move. I was repeatedly tripping over my face, trying to balance on my feet and taking mincing steps. Never again! Even if it means being unpatriotic, I won't even wear a sari for any of my films," Kangana told IANS.

The sari was a last minute brain wave.

"My designer has been extra-busy these days, what with all the awards functions for which exclusive designs have to be created. When I decided to go for Emraan's reception, at the last minute my designer decided to deck me up in a sari. It was the biggest mistake of my life."

The Emraan do was restricted mainly to the family, which included Mahesh Bhatt and his entire clan. Special invitees included Pakistani actress Meera, who showed keen interest in Kangana and her career.

'I See You' a Casanova's love story
 
New Delhi, Dec 26   After Shah Rukh Khan and Suniel Shetty, it is model-turned-actor Arjun Rampal's turn to become producer with "I See You", an unusual love story releasing Friday.

The film is also Vivek Aggarwal's first outing as director. Shot entirely in London, "I See You" also introduces Vipasha Aggarwal opposite Arjun.

The film revolves around Raj Jaiswal (Arjun), a star attraction on a TV show, "British Raj", who exploits his popularity to the hilt.

Flirting with girls is his favourite time-pass and he spares no one, not even a new recruit on the show.

All that changes an evening when he meets Shivani (Vipasha), who materialises in his bedroom from nowhere. Raj is intrigued by her presence but doesn't dig into the matter, completely mesmerised as he is by Shivani.

She keeps moving in and out of his home and office. Unfortunately, nobody except Raj seems to see her. And his friend Akshay's (Chunky Pandey) quizzical expressions confirm this doubt.

Raj enjoys Shivani's closeness because she is someone who is simply "for his eyes only", but he doesn't want to fall in love with her either.

Aggarwal earlier assisted cinematographer-turned-director Ashok Mehta in "Moksh" and later worked as associate director to Subhash Ghai during the making of "Kisna".

While both films were dam squibs, it remains to be seen if Aggarwal has learnt from the mistakes made by his mentors.

Arjun, who hasn't made any headway in filmdom despite good looks, pins all his hopes on this film.
 

Manoj Bajpai works to develop his native village
 
Patna, Dec 26   Actor Manoj Bajpai has been silently working out ways to develop his native village in Bihar while he spends time there away from the glamour of Bollywood.

Bajpai, of "Satya" fame, arrived in West Chaparan district's Belwa village, 300 km from here, a few days ago to spend time with his family and friends but has been busy chalking out a development strategy for the backward area.

The actor has joined hands with his friend Gayandeo Mani Tripathi, who plans to set up an organisation for rural development.

"I decided to work with my friend Tripathi as he is setting up an organisation for development in rural areas, so I suggested that he open it in my village," said Bajpai.

He, however, refused to disclose the details of his project and said he would come up with something concrete soon.

Bajpai, known for the portrayal of intense roles, said material gains are not everything in life, as they don't satisfy the soul.

"I am in my village to satisfy my inner soul by contributing something to the development of my village," he remarked.

The actor said he had given 13 years to Bollywood and 11 years to theatre, "But I now decided to give some time for self-satisfaction".

He his hectic schedule in Mumbai had made it difficult for him to visit Belwa more often. "After living in Mumbai, I had become distanced from my village and now I would like to fill that gap."

Bajpai was reportedly enjoying the greenery of Belwa and loved talking to villagers in chaste Bhojpuri.

On the acting front, Bajpai is now looking forward to the release of his next film "1971" and hopes audiences will appreciate it.

 

For Bollywood, it was the year of RDB, Kangana (CINEMA YEARENDER)
By Subhash K. Jha, 

Mumbai, Dec 25   If I've to look back at 2006, I'd remember it as the year of "Rang De Basanti" (RDB) and Kangana Ranaut. Both startled the hell out of me.

When I saw Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's RDB, I couldn't move. I had to force my hand to punch his numbers, and then I blabbered like a schoolboy. Mehra was no stranger to me.

Kangana was. I had never heard of her, didn't know what she looked like. I went to see "Gangster - A Love Story" with zero expectations. The girl stunned me senseless. Lucky are those who sat on that decisive Friday watching this natural-born actress dip all her senses into every crevice of the human heart.

Like Shabana Azmi, I wanted to ask Kangana: "Where have you come from?"

Amrita Rao in "Vivah" and Ayesha Takia in "Dor" also took me by surprise.

Whereas Shahid Kapur had prepared me for his performance in "Vivah" as he was extremely accomplished in all his releases so far except "Deewane Huye Paagal", where no one was allowed to be accomplished. But it was Amrita's fragile elegance that stunned me.

Silly girl, she turned down a plum and powerful role in Govind Nihalani's film that he offered her after "Vivah". I just hope she goes into 2007 with hope on her plate.

Three new directors also stumped me this year. Dibakar Banerjee, Saket Chowdhary and, most of all, Nishikant Kamat blew my brains with their first films.

Banerjee, I'm told, is very lazy. He took years to complete "Khosla Ka Ghosla". But it doesn't show.

Chowdhary is spunky. He had the guts to not use Mallika Sherawat's sex appeal as a pivotal character in "Pyaar Ke Side Effects". Weeks before the release of this romantic comedy, distributors were in two minds - Mallika in clothes? Will not work!

Both 'lazy' Banejree and 'spunky' Chowdhary are now planning sequels to their surprise hits.

I wish there would be a sequel to Marathi director Kamat's "Dombivli Fast". I want to know what happens to the wife and children of a working class man who gets shot after creating a moral havoc on the streets of Mumbai.

In his small, Rs.20 million Marathi film, the humble Kamat threw forward several statements. You don't need a fortune to create a phenomenal film. Shooting on authentic locations with authentic actors does the act.

Hats off to actor Sandeep Kulkarni who simply merged into the role of the man who goes berserk after suffering the hefty wages of the humdrum life for years.

Regional cinema remains so neglected that you wonder what would've happened to biggies like "Don" and "Baabul" if they had been made in Telugu or Marathi.

The return of Sooraj Barjatya in "Vivah" and Mallika in "Pyaar Ke Side Effects", and the advent of a phenomenal new talent called Kangana made my heart crave for more surprises in 2006.

That delight of falling off my seat came to me when I saw little boy Ali Haji, who played Aamir Khan and Kajol's son in "Fanaa"; when I saw Hrithik Roshan glide across the dance floor as though it was the ocean in "Dhoom 2"; When I heard Konkona Sen Sharma's conversational voice as she grappled with the garbled grammar of a schizophrenic mind in "15 Park Avenue"; when I saw Lisa Ray's limpid eyes stare in the placid water in Deepa Mehta's "Water"; when I saw Sushmita Sen rip the screen apart with her monstrous monologues in "Chingaari"; when I heard Kavita Seth sing "Mujhe mat roko mujhe yaar ke ghar jaane do" for Kangana as she plummeted to a welcome death in "Gangster"; when I heard Richa Sharma tear the soundtrack into sublime smithereens with "Baabul mora" in the disappointing film of that name.

When Aamir broke down in Alice Patten's kitchen in "Rang De Basanti", I cried too. I knew this guy once. Now he's a different person.

Everything changes. The world around us is a cauldron of simmering discontent. The movies and performances we enjoyed last year were very different from the films this year. And 2007 will be even more different.

And if there's a contradiction to Sanjay Dutt playing Munnabhai and standing in a courtroom facing serious charges, then I guess we need to realise characters outlive the actors who play them.

Crooners from across the border rock college fests
By Azera Rahman, 

New Delhi, Dec 25   Its passé to invite a local rock band to perform in the college festivals of Indian universities these days. If you want the fest to rock, invite one of the Pakistani bands.

Music, as they say, transcends barriers. Probably this is why, despite all the political war of words and the booing on the cricket field, there's no stopping a young Indian fan from head-banging to a Pakistani musician's tunes on the stage.

When Goher Mumtaz of the rock band Jal, sings "Ab to aadat si ho gayi hai" in one of Delhi University's college fests, the entire campus croons along. Whether it's the simplicity of the lyrics or the youthfulness of the sound, their music appeals to the Indian ear immensely.

Most of these bands, be it Jal, Junoon or Strings, play soft rock with a hint of Sufi, a genre of music fast becoming a craze in India.

"You fall in love with the lyrics of their songs which are so meaningful, unlike most of the Bollywood numbers these days. And, the music is a mix of Sufi and rock. What else could you ask for?" remarks Rima, a die-hard fan of Jal.

Cashing in on this trend, Bollywood director Mahesh Bhatt readily bought one of Jal's compositions, "Woh Lamhey", and used it in his movie "Zeher". The song became a top chartbuster in no time.

The fact that Jal was booked for live concerts for two whole months, covering 11 cities and 21 shows, testifies their immense popularity among the country's youth.

When the band came to Delhi University to perform at Hindu College's fest Mecca and Gargi College's Reverie, they invited jam-packed auditoriums and a roaring crowd. Jal and Strings got an amazing response when they went down south to perform at Unmad, the fest of Indian Institute of Management-Bangalore (IIM-B).

They also went to Hyderabad in September to sing at the Chaithanya Bharahi Institute of Technology's (CBIT) biennial fest, Carpe Diem. "They were the highlight of the fest this year and very rightfully so. Their music is awesome!" Shuaib, a second year student of CBIT, told IANS.

Awaiting them this year are the girls of Janki Devi Memorial College in Delhi who simply can't have enough of their music. Says Mukuta Sharma, a student: "Their songs are simply the best. Although I have downloaded all their numbers on my PC, I can't wait to hear them live!"

Says Farhan, the lead vocalist of Jal: "Being a Pakistani band, coming to India and not just performing but also being popular and sought after is a dream come true."

It's never easy rooting for Pakistan anywhere in India. But when Faizal, the lead vocalist of Strings, sings "Main teri tu mera jaane saara Hindustan", the already charmed audience screams back the same with "Pakistan" at the end!

So is love for their music the only factor for this new culture of inviting them to all the college fests?

"No. Another important factor is the college budget which is becoming fatter every year," says Smita Mitra, media coordinator of Janki Devi Memorial College.

For a well-organised college fest, the budget could be anything between Rs.300,00 to Rs.1.2 million.

So while innumerable rounds of peace talks continue to be held between the two countries, these young musical ambassadors from across the border have long come and bridged the gap with their music.
 

Koena on cloud nine about sharing stage with Furtado
By Swati R. Chaudhary, 

Mumbai, Dec 25   Item girl Koena Mitra is thrilled at the prospect of performing along with international pop diva Nelly Furtado on the New Year eve.

She along with Priyanka Chopra and Shahid Kapur is gearing up to sizzle the stage with the international singer Dec 31, reports Bollywood Trade.

"I'll be grooving to all my songs including my latest tracks from 'Apna Sapna Money Money'. Varied artists like Nelly, Canada-based Punjabi band JOSH, A.R. Rahman, Shahid and Priyanka are performing so, it'll be a great fun. With a combination of such diverse artists, the show is bound to be a lot spicier," said Koena.

So, is she not anxious about sharing stage with Grammy winner Nelly Furtado?

"I'm pretty used to shows, especially solo shows, so I'm not nervous. In fact, I am excited and looking forward to Dec 31. The grand finale will be a medley of songs. It's a live show and an opportunity to reach out to an international audience," she adds.

Furtado's debut album "Whoa Nelly" was released in 2000 and spawned the hit single "I'm like a bird". Her songs "Promiscuous" and "Maneater" from her new album "Loose" are topping the charts.

On the work front, Koena has two films with Sanjay Gupta and Subhash Ghai in her kitty. But the actress is currently kicked about her role in Ananth Mahadevan's "Anamika - The Untold Story".

"It's a romantic thriller loaded with suspense. It's based on three characters - Dino Morea, Minissha Lamba and me. Ananth has worked really hard in shaping our respective characters. It's a serious role minus singing and dancing. The look of the film is spectacular since we've shot in Bikaner and Gajner," said Koena who plays Dino's childhood sweetheart in it.
 

I'll leave you wanting for more: Neha Dhupia
By Swati R. Chaudhary, 

Mumbai, Dec 25   Actress Neha Dhupia promises to leave the audience "wanting for more" when she performs at a New Year party.

Neha recently inaugurated Country Condos, service apartments of Country Club India Ltd (CCIL) in Mumbai, and will be performing at a New Year party organised by the firm. This is the first time Neha is performing for CCIL and she will groove to a medley of foot tapping songs, reports Bollywood Trade.

"I'll dance on a few songs from 'Garam Masala' and 'Chup Chup Ke'. I'll also be dancing on other hit tracks that have done well in the last few months like 'Crazy kiya re' ('Dhoom 2'), etc. I am looking forward to it and I'm going to leave you guys wanting for more," said Neha who is thankful to her choreographers Pappu and Maalu for training her.

Talking about her association with the club, Neha said: "CCIL is one of the biggest family entertainment club chains of India and I am proud to be a part of it. They are a great set of people and were very humble in their approach. I felt I could make a difference and here I am."

Neha has an interesting line-up of films in 2007 including "Ek Chaalis Ki Last Local", "Delhi Heights", "Mithiya", "Shootout At Lokhandwala" and "Dus Kahaniya".
 

Demolition threat to Bollywood epicentre in New Jersey
 

New Jersey, Dec 25   Bad news for Bollywood fans residing in New Jersey and New York as seven-screen movie house CinePlaza is on the verge of closing down.

"This theatre is like the lifeblood of Indian entertainment; it is a home to us," said Vijay Shah, the owner of CinePlaza. Shah saved the theatre once but this time chances are dim.

Shah's multiplex, located in an underground parking garage has been cast in doubt after the building's owner got approvals to demolish the theatre and replace it with a 29-storey residential and commercial tower, reported northjersey.com.

Shah, who has already been through a relocation mess, when the theatre's old home was shut down in January this year, is in a dilemma. He said he thought the property's financial troubles were over.

The theatre represents a unique cultural niche where Shah screens about 60 Indian films a year, including eight or 10 blockbusters that sell as many as 15,000 tickets per show.

CinePlaza is the largest Indian theatre on the East coast, with a capacity of about 1,300 seats. The closing of the theatre will hugely disappoint the locals.

The owners of the property, Brooklyn-based Forest City Ratner Companies, planned its redevelopment Wednesday when the North Bergen council approved rezoning the property.

The new zoning would permit a 25-storey residential tower with up to 350 units, and a four-storey commercial and retail base.

However, the other tenants in the shopping centre, including a ShopRite and Bally's gym, will be not be affected by the redevelopment plan.

The centre was built seven years ago. Township officials said the developers have not given any timeline for when a formal application may be filed.

Forest City representatives were not available for comments, but township officials said the developers stated the theatre was the only part of the shopping centre that was unprofitable.

Shah said Starplex officials told him the theatre has been in the black since Oct, largely because audiences brought in by the Indian theatre have fattened concession sales and cut down on nuisance crimes that used to plague the building.

Still, Shah says he has always known that his lease is subject to only a 30-day termination clause, and he says he has begun a half-hearted search for a new home.

But he said theatres are hard to come by and larger chains will sometimes rent out individual screens in profit-sharing agreements, but there's nothing like having a theatre of his own.

"It's a very risky proposition. That's why you don't see so many of these," said Shah.
 

Government realises the Indian celluloid industry potential
By Arpana, 

New Delhi, Dec 25   After treating the entertainment industry like a stepchild for decades, the Indian government has realised its potential and is leaving no stone unturned to boost the business.

Before 2001, finance was a huge problem for filmmakers and the lack of funding took its toll on creativity and variety. The traditional financers were not keen to take risks and churned out formula films suitable for big stars only. This restriction barred the entry of fresh minds and untried faces in filmdom.

But from 2001 onwards several steps were taken by the government to boost the business and the first move in this direction was taken when Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) allowed bank finances for films.

After suffering for decades in the hands of traditional financers, Indian film industry, especially Bollywood, witnessed a phenomenal change after the entry of banks.

"Through our vigorous efforts, we have been able to reduce the level of entertainment tax. We have simplified procedures and reduced the time required for granting permission to shoot foreign feature films in India," Information and Broadcasting Minister Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi said in the Lok Sabha recently.

Entry of banks into film business lured corporate players like UTV, Percept Picture Company. Their entry ensured the quality of films, ample opportunities for wannabes and variety. For independent filmmakers, it turned out to be a blessing in disguise, because they could speak their mind through their craft.

Apart from that, entry of Non Traditional Financing Sources (NTFS) has boosted the business and profits started moving toward record levels.

According to Yes Bank Survey reports conducted till 2004, the number of films partially or fully financed from one or more NTFS has increased from six in 2001 to 46 in 2004.

Cumulatively, NTFS contribute Rs.2.56 billion in 2004 as compared to Rs.485 million in 2001. This constitutes more than 50 percent of total project outlay of top 50 Hindi films produced and released in 2004 and underlines the rapidly transforming funding sources for Hindi films.

Not only that, 20 out of 46 films financed from NTFS in 2004 were associated with the new directors which points towards the role being played by NTFS in nurturing and developing new talent in filmmaking.

And 61 percent of films financed from NTFS were funded by private equity from individuals and corporate houses. Apart from that, 93 percent films funded from one or more NTFS in 2004 involved equity financing.

The trend continued this year with UTV producing big hits like films "Rang De Basanti", "Krrish", "Khosla Ka Ghosla" and Percept Picture Company churning out "Dor", "Corporate" and "Malaamal Weekly".

These films created history at the box office - both in money and content.

Not only that, since 2001 NTFS have increased their presence at the expense of one or more of producers' contribution, distribution and private financiers.

Apart from finances, government is also focusing on popularising films in the overseas market.

The government is encouraging participation in global events like the Cannes Film Market, the American Film Market, and the Berlin Film Market among others to enhance Bollywood's visibility, said Dasmunsi in a written statement.

Film weeks and festivals are being conducted in various countries while the government had also signed an audio-visual co-production agreement with Britain and Italy.

Similar proposals from other countries were being explored to expand avenues of finance and markets for the Indian film industry.

To ensure the smooth functioning of the entertainment industry, a committee for development of entertainment sector was set up to suggest a policy framework for the film industry, suggest steps to counter piracy and to facilitate shooting of foreign films, Dasmunsi added.

Apart from this, the state-owned National Film Development Corporation had been providing limited funding for films.

"I personally think that just like financial markets in the 1980s, telecom in the 1990s and early 2000 and transport as it has happened today, entertainment will be big. As it will become large and the requirement for the content becomes critical, there will be corporatisation," Subroto Chattopadhyay, managing director, Saregama, told IANS.

"You need to have ability to produce high quality content in very large volume and it cannot be done by an individual. So there will be corporatisation. It will change the way content is created and I think next three to four years will see huge change. Independent filmmakers will get involved because it is an art form and of course, government will enable us," added Chattopadhyay.

After ruling the music industry for decades, Saregama is also spreading its wings and set to foray into film producing business.

If 2006 saw big hits and big bucks, the entertainment industry is going to reap phenomenal success in 2007 as well. Also, more and more players will enter the sector.

 

Sam Pitroda, Shekhar Kapur announce movie script contest for IIT alumni
 
Chicago, Dec 25   Technology guru Sam Pitroda and filmmaker Shekhar Kapur have announced a movie script writing contest for the students of the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs).

Pitroda told a conference hosted by the IIT, Mumbai, that considering the multifaceted talent of IIT alumni both Kapur and he believe this would be an exciting contest.

Pitroda, who is also chairman of India's National Knowledge Commission, said the IIT, Mumbai should introduce a Master's in film technology because the growing convergence of various media.

"The IITs need to think outside the box and the time is absolutely right for them introduce such a course that takes in its sweep film technology, animation, film engineering and so on," Pitroda told IANS.

The Pitroda-Kapur announcement for a script writing contest will be an annual feature starting sometime in 2007. Details such as the deadline for script submission, format, selection criteria, jury and the date for final selection will be announced on an upcoming website.

Asked why restrict the contest just to the IIT students, Pitroda said, "We could have kept it open to students generally but logistics would have been tough to manage. Besides, IIT students have established a name for themselves when it comes to multitasking," he said.

A winner and runner-up will be chosen by a jury consisting of well-known names from the world of cinema as well as other professions. There are possibilities that the winning scripts would eventually be made into movies.

Pitroda said he had been toying with the contest for quite sometime and the time was opportune. Asked the quantum of the prizes, he said although it would be "decent amounts for the winners", money was not the motivating force but "a desire to do something exciting and tap into a large talent pool."

IIT alumni have been known to break the mould and frequently explore professions which their engineering background may not foreshadow. They have been involved in running airlines, making movies, operating non-profit organizations and writing fiction.

Pitroda said being based in the same city as the Hindi cinema industry, the IIT, Mumbai will be able to leverage its resources well if it introduced a Master's in film technology.

 

 IANS