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Sammir Dattani to sing in music video
By Subhash K. Jha, Indo-Asian News Service

Mumbai, Feb 7 (IANS) Actor Sammir Dattani, who plays a trained government spy in search of his identity in Mani Shankar's "Mukhbir", will sing for the film's music video too.

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Though the film will have no songs, its makers have hit on the idea of a music video for promoting the thriller.

Says Sammir: "It would be full circle for me. I started my career at 17 with a music video called 'Valentine's Day'. And now I'll feature in another music video where I'll get to sing."

Sammir has been taking singing lessons for quite some time. 

"In fact, I have been doing my practice as regularly as possible. I am told I have a singing voice. And I believe I can carry off a tune quite well. In fact, my ex-girlfriend used to say I sing the 'Titanic' theme really well. But she was biased."

"Songs are the only way to grab TV spots for a film. Even Prakash Jha had to put an item song in 'Apaharan' for the TV promotions. Our 'Mukhbir' music video will be more conceptual. We will take the camera to all those spots in Hyderabad where my character Kailash lives out his intriguing adventure."

The film, which also has Om Puri, Sushant Singh and Suniel Shetty in the cast, requires a lot of physical action, says Sammir.

"Apart from making me connect with emotions which I never knew existed within me, the role in 'Mukhbir' requires plenty of physical action from me. I love that. That is why I am enjoying shooting for Nisha Chainani's 'Maratthon' as well. 

"I participated in the Mumbai Marathon in support of our film. I enjoyed the experience of being out there in the city with so many different sections of people. I think I'll participate in the marathon every year."

  
'Mahabharat' between Mani and Rituparno!
By Subhash K. Jha, Indo-Asian News Service

Mumbai, Feb 7 (IANS) Mythology has never had it so good. Two of the country's pre-eminent filmmakers from two corners of the country are all set to do their own take on the Hindu epic "Mahabharat".

Mani Ratnam has started spadework on his version of the epic, which Bobby Bedi will produce. And Rituparno Ghosh has already started scripting his version of the "Mahabharat", which will be produced by RPG, the film production sector of Sa Re Ga Ma and HMV. 

Ritu, who has just completed a new Bengali film "Doshar", is quick to clarify: "Please, everyone is making 'Mahabharat'. My film is not about the entire 'Mahabharat'. It will, therefore, not clash with Mani's plans at all. 

"Mine is a 'womanist' view of the 'Mahabharat'. It will focus almost entirely on the female characters, particularly Draupadi who I think is one of the most fascinating women in our mythical culture."

Ritu's epic will start shooting in mid-2006. 

"Ideally I'd have wanted it to be only in English. For Hindi audiences, the image of B.R. Chopra's telethon 'Mahabharat' is indelible. However, my producers want Draupadi to be a bilingual. So be it." 

Other pitched battle of equals this year... 

1. Ram Gopal Varma's "Sholay" versus Farhan Akhtar's "Don"

2. Ashutosh Gowariker's "Jodha-Akbar" versus Chandraprakash Dwiwedi's "Prithviraj-Sanjukta"

3. Rakesh Roshan's "Krissh" versus Yash Raj Films' "Dhoom 2"

4. Pritish Nandy's "Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam" versus Vishal Bhardawaj's "Othello"

5. Nikhil Advani's "Salaam-e-Ishq" versus Kunal Kohli's "Fanaah".
  
'Holiday' is the tale of an ordinary girl
Indo-Asian News Service

New Delhi, Feb 7 (IANS) Actress-turned-director Pooja Bhatt, who ventured into filmmaking with the dud "Paap" starring Udita Goswami and John Abraham, is gearing up for the release of her latest "Holiday" set in the sun and sands of Goa.

"Holiday" releases this Friday and Pooja is hoping to be third time lucky. Her second film "Rog" had released last January and was also a flop. So, Pooja delayed the release of "Holiday" to February on the suggestion of her numerologist. 

"Holiday" is the story of a family that goes to Goa on a vacation to unwind. When Dr. Daksh Suri (Gulshan Grover), his wife Nandini (Anahita Uberoi) and their two daughters - Samara (Nauheed Cyrusi) and Muskaan (Onjolee Nair) embark on a month-long vacation to Goa, none of them has a clue that the holiday will change their lives for ever, especially Muskaan's. 

She meets Dino Morea who plays a trained dance performer and helps her to realise her self-esteem and sense of worth through the art of dancing. 

And Muskaan, who was just an ordinary girl till then, becomes extraordinary by following her heart and learning to celebrate her ordinariness. 

The Bhatt camp, which boasts of launching several new talents in Bollywood, launches another actress Onjolee Nair with this film. Mohit Suri's sister Muskan was supposed to feature in the female lead but was fired for some reason. 

The film received a lukewarm response when it was premiered at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) last year. However, it was hugely appreciated at the fifth Kara Film Festival in Karachi, Pakistan. 

Written by Mahesh Bhatt, the film was entirely shot in Pooja's favourite holiday spot Goa. 
 
Govinda's career needs urgent rejuvenation
By Subhash K. Jha, Indo-Asian News Service

Mumbai, Feb 7 (IANS) If there is a prize for the most self-destructive star in Bollywood it would have to go to Govinda.

While his newly acquired career in politics has hardly brought him glory, his true vocation too cries for serious and immediate rejuvenation.

Can this immensely gifted actor overcome the suicidal mood that seems to have overtaken his professional exigencies?

Last year, Govinda returned after a long hiatus with the soggy family saga "Sukh". Govinda's incompetent director-brother Kirti Ahuja, whom we would recall as the guy who put his star-brother in the red with the self-styled magnum opus "Radha Ka Sangam" a decade ago, directed the film.

But Govinda doesn't seem to learn from his mistakes - at least not when it comes to his family. His nephew Dumpy directs his new production "Jahan Jaiyega Humein Paiyega" featuring the star with Telugu and Kannada films' actress Sakshi. 

Yes, that is the director's name. And he is just 19. Now do we know why Govinda's career is down-in-the-dump(y)s? Apparently, Govinda supervised most proceedings on the sets. But what does it say about his misplaced faith in his kith and kin?

Some time ago, Govinda agreed to make an appearance in a South Indian monstrosity "Aamdani Atthanni Kharcha Rupaiya" only because his nephew Vinay Anand starred in it.

Not surprisingly "Jahan Jaiyega..." remains unsold in almost all territories. As far as distributors are concerned, Govinda's career is over.

"Not so fast," says Govinda's leading lady Sakshi in "Jahan Jaiyega...". 

"I think he has a long way to go. He is amazingly good. And he has lost loads of weight and is looking as good as before."

Old Govinda loyalist, director David Dhawan, also feels his film "Partner" can bring about a miraculous makeover in his career. 

"You mark my word. Govinda has a long, long way to go. My film 'Partner' with him and Salman (Khan) will bring Govinda back in a big way," he says.

Nikhil Advani, who has just directed Govinda in "Salaam-e-Ishq", can't stop raving about the much-maligned actor. Maybe there is some real 'sukh' around the corner for Govinda.
 
Poland: A new destination for Bollywood
By Surender Bhutani, Indo-Asian News Service

Warsaw, Feb 8 (IANS) With top stars like Aamir Khan, Kajol and Suniel Shetty busy shooting in the Poland winter, the scene for Bollywood looks bright in this east European country.

Last year many Bollywood films were shown in Polish cinema halls. Shah Rukh Khan's movies "Main Hoon Na", "Kal Ho Na Ho" and "Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham" were great hits and he became a big craze for young cinemagoers here.

And now Yash Raj Films, which produced hits like "Kabhi Kabhie", "Silsila", "Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge", has perhaps become the first Bollywood production company to shoot on the slopes of the Tatar mountains. 

They have selected a beautiful hill station, Zakopane, 400 km away from here in the south of Poland, to shoot the action scenes for the Kunal Kohli-directed "Fanaah" as the story is related to the background of Kashmir.

Aamir, Suniel and Kajol are shooting for the film and are braving a harsh winter as temperatures are around minus 10 to 14 degrees Celsius in day time and around minus 20 degrees at night.

"One Indian film star was so ignorant of Polish weather that he came in his Mumbai chappals," said Radio Zakopane on Monday.

Gutek Films, which distributed Shah Rukh's films in Poland last year, is looking after the logistics that include choppers and other aircraft. 

A representative of Gutek films told IANS that "our cooperation is working well and according to the schedule".

"I am happy that an Indian film company has decided to shoot in Poland. I do hope more and more Indian film crews will come to shoot in the spring and summer months when parts of the Poland landscape is as beautiful as some parts of Switzerland," Indian Ambassador Anil Wadhwa told IANS.

The Indian community in Warsaw too is thrilled about the presence of Bollywood stars in Poland.

The president of the Indian Association, J.J. Singh, has contacted the producer so that Indians there are allowed to see the shooting Feb 11 at Zakopane.

Poland is a country with a long history of flim production and its world famous directors, Roman Polanski, Andrzej Wajda and Krzystof Zanussi all came out from the film institute at Lodz, 120 km from here.

Apart from Lodz, many other places in Poland have their own medium-size studios.

Indian actor-cum-politician Vinod Khanna had told IANS last year that Poland was a suitable destination for Bollywood filmmakers and he would persuade fellow Indian producers to shoot here.

Khanna had also visited a few production studios and felt satisfied with the quality of production and equipment. 

"At the same time the cost of labour in Poland is much cheaper than anywhere in Europe," he had added.
 
Mallika Sherawat's international debut is a disaster
By Subhash K. Jha, Indo-Asian News Service

Mumbai, Feb 8 (IANS) Why do Indian stars open their mouth about an international career so prematurely and then end up with egg on their face? 

Years ago the formidable Shabana Azmi thought she was doing a pivotal role in director Blake Edwards' "Son Of Pink Panther". Shabana of course stood by her decision to do what finally turned out to be a glorified cameo. 

Now it is the turn of another Indian performer, albeit belonging to another genre, to fall flat on her face. 

Mallika Sherawat's much-vaunted "stellar" role in Stanley Tong's "The Myth" is just that - a myth. Audiences who saw the film were shocked to see her role was no more than a cameo.

"What was all the fuss about? And why do we go on about our prospects out West when Hollywood has no patience for us?" said filmmaker Hansal Mehta. "Mallika repeatedly made goof-ups at press conferences."

According to members of the Indian film fraternity at the Toronto Film Festival, Mallika's presence there was a complete non-event. 

A fellow actor said: "Seriously her female colleague Kim Hee Seon conducted herself with so much dignity. Mallika was making absurd statements about how in India doing a Jackie Chan film was like doing a James Bond film. 

"What did she mean? And then after all the gushing, her role in 'The Myth' was nothing more than a cameo," he said.

While responses to Mallika at the Toronto fest ranged from lukewarm to indifferent, audiences and critics were far more categorical in their dismissal of "The Myth", which has been declared a certifiable dud. 

The plot has Chan in a double role as a Ming warrior in ancient times and an archaeologist in present times. 

A prominent Indian director, who was present at the Toronto Film Festival where the film was screened, said: "After the screening of any film at the festival the papers next day are filled with news and views. There was hardly anything at all about 'The Myth'. 

"There was a cold indifferent silence to the film and to Mallika Sherawat. One feels sorry for her because she had pumped up her presence in the film as some kind of a grand event. This is more like a damp squib." 

Critics have rated "The Myth" as arguably the worst film of Jackie Chan's career. Where does Mallika go from here? 

Back to the Bollywood grind? She has a brief role in one segment of Ram Gopal Varma's "Darna Zaroori Hai" with Anil Kapoor and a part in Satish Kaushik's "Shaadi Se Pehle" with Suniel Shetty.

What a sad impasse in the career of a spunky actress who virtually re-wrote the rules of female stardom in "Murder". 

 
'Banana Brothers' takes humorous look at NRIs
Indo-Asian News Service

New Delhi, Feb 8 (IANS) TV artist Girija Shankar, best known for playing Dhritarashtra in B.R. Chopra's epic "Mahabharat", is ready to tickle the audience's funny bone with his directorial debut "Banana Brothers". 

Shankar will release the film Feb 10, which is also his birthday. 

"Banana Brothers", a comedy made in English with a dash of Punjabi and Gujarati, shows the difficulties faced by Indians who migrate to foreign lands in search of money and success with a pinch of a humour. 

The film revolves around taxi driver Baldev Singh, played by Gursewak Mann, who migrates to the US from Punjab to fulfil his dreams. He meets a Gujarati called Ketan Patel, played by Anupam Kher, who also has the same dreams. 

As both of them nurture similar aims and aspirations they join hands and start a business. While they are still putting in efforts to make it big in America, the two struggling businessmen bump into scheming producer Rajinder Kumar, played Gulshan Grover. 

There are lots of funny twists and turns in the tale as the film shows how the two characters keep alive their spirit in spite of all odds. 

Renowned ghazal maestro Jagjit Singh and Jai Dev Kumar, a well-known name in the Punjabi music industry, have done the film's music. 

"Banana Brothers", which was shot in Los Angeles and San Francisco, has Seema Malhar, Mary L. Carter, Radha Saluja and Johny Lever in the cast.

Quite a few films have been made on similar subjects. Trade pundits feel "Banana Brothers" will strike gold at the box office only if its treatment of the subject is exceptional.
 

Rekha 'insisted' Shabana do 'Umrao Jaan'
By Subhash K Jha, Indo-Asian News Service

Mumbai, Feb 9 (IANS) Everyone knows Shabana Azmi is playing mother Shaukat Azmi's role in J.P. Dutta's "Umrao Jaan". What's not so well known is that it was old friend Rekha who suggested that she step into the formidable Shaukat Azmi's shoes.

Says Shabana: "Rekha had played my mother's daughter in Muzaffar Ali's 'Umrao Jaan'. It was she who insisted that I do my mother's role in J.P.'s version of the same story. That's how I decided to approach J.P. for the role."

Rekha and Shabana go back a long way. They did a number of films together in the 1970s, including "Ek Hi Bhool" and "Raaste Pyaar Ke". Some years ago, Rekha chickened out of Deepa Mehta's "Fire" arguing, "I can kiss Nandita Das twenty times but not in that (lesbian) way." 

And Shabana got a chance to do one of her best roles ever. Rekha has a special name for Shabana... and it's Munni!

Shabana has worked with Rekha's "Umrao Jaan" director Muzaffar in "Anjuman", but not with Dutta, the maker of the new "Umrao Jaan". However, her other half, Javed Akhtar, has written some of his best lyrics for J.P.'s cinema.

"It is a very emotional moment for me to be doing a role that my mother has done," says Shabana. 

And she has Rekha to thank for the opportunity.

Female friendships in filmdom that have outlasted professional rivalry:

1. Padmini Kolhapure and Poonam Dhillon - close but unable to meet that often. 

2. Asha Parekh and Shammi - friends and close companions to this day. 

3. Waheeda Rehman and Nanda - infrequent interaction but friends for life.

4. Manisha Koirala and Deepti Naval - have gone on unplanned holidays together. 

5. Shabana Azmi and Urmila Matondkar - came close during the shooting of "Tehzeeb", have kept in touch since then. 
  
'Humko Tumse Pyaar Hai' ready for release
Indo-Asian News Service

New Delhi, Feb 9 (IANS) Late director Bunty Soorma's film about the loves and life of a blind girl, "Humko Tumse Pyaar Hai", starring Bobby Deol, Arjun Rampal and Amisha Patel, is ready for worldwide release on Feb 24.

Produced by Cineyug, this love triangle would have hit the screens long ago, but the sudden demise of Bunty Soorma delayed the film. Later, director Vikram Bhatt stepped in to complete it.

Says producer Mohomed Morani: "The film has soulful music, great performances and a gripping narrative that keeps you guessing till the very end."

The film is centred on a blind girl, Durga, played by Amisha Patel, who lives with her mother in Rajasthan. Her otherwise quiet life takes an exciting turn when Rohit (Arjun Rampal), a compassionate and loving businessman, enters her life and falls in love with her. 

Their happiness is shortlived when a village goon, interested in her, kills Rohit.

Durga tries to get over her trauma and another young man, Raj (Bobby Deol), steps into her life and gives her reason. But when destiny gives you another chance at love, it comes with a catch. Watch it to find out more. 

"Humko Tumse Pyaar Hai" was shot in Switzerland and Rajasthan.

Cineyug has produced successful films like "Arjun", "Damini" and "Raja Hindustani". 
 
Tips signs up 'Fame Gurukul' contestants
By Arpana, Indo-Asian News Service 

New Delhi, Feb 9 (IANS) Tips Industries Ltd has signed contracts with three of the top 10 finalists of music show "Fame Gurukul" on Sony TV - Shamit Tyagi, Mona Bhatt and Arijit Singh. 

The company has entered into an Artiste Management Agreement with them under which they will undertake assignments like singing, acting in music videos, albums, films, serials or any other assignments for the company. 

In case they get good offers from outside they will first have to take the consent of the music company.

Kumar Taurani of Tips refused to reveal the duration of the contracts, saying: "It is something that cannot be disclosed. I can't tell you the number of years for which we have signed them."

But it has surely opened new doors for these upcoming singers who couldn't win the "Jodi No.1" title that went to Qazi Touqeer and Ruprekha Banerjee.

When asked about the contract, Arijit, an 18-year-old boy from Murshidabad in West Bengal, sounded upbeat and said: "I am very happy with this contract. They have promised us five albums in the next five years. But it doesn't mean that we cannot work outside the company. 

"We just have to inform Tips. For example, if I get an offer and decide to sing, I will have to inform the company about it. See, I am doing shows organised by other companies."

Shamit, who is 26 and finished his graduation from Kirori Mal College, Delhi, was more discreet and said: "According to the contract, I can't have a personal album; otherwise I am allowed to do playback singing for films and take up other assignments - but, of course, with the consent of Tips." 

"I can tell you it's like a dream come true and I would like to be associated with Tips forever. I want the company to do well through me because if the company does well, it will trust me and give me more opportunities."

The three have been busy with stage shows because according to their initial contract with Tips, they were not supposed to take up any new assignments for three months after the "Fame Gurukul" finale.
 
Bollywood smells success in collective courtship
By Subhash K. Jha, Indo-Asian News Service

Mumbai, Feb 9 (IANS) In Bollywood, skirt chasing is in and how! After "Masti" and "No Entry", a cluster of men lusting after one damsel seems to be the potion for box-office success. 

If "Masti" had Vivek Oberoi, Riteish Deshmukh and Aftab Shivdasani having the hots for Lara Dutta, in "No Entry", Bipasha Basu gets more than her fair share of male attention.

And no one, not even the ladies in the audience, seems to mind this new seductress who gets the adrenaline rushing into male veins.

Sure, sometimes in vain. The formula failed in Sanjay Gupta's "Musafir" where Sameera Reddy was trapped in a sexually forthright liaison with Anil Kapoor and Mahesh Manjrekar. But that was a relationship gone too far. 

Dino Morea, who's part of such a new film, says: "Audiences love the idea of Eve being wooed by several Steves...like Saira Banu was courted by Sunil Dutt and Mehmood in 'Padosan'. 

"The trick is to keep the tone light. That's what we are doing in 'Tom Dick & Harry' where Jimmy Shergill, Anuj Sawhney and I play three guys panting after Celina Jaitley."

Deepak Tijori directs what could possibly be a follow-up success to "No Entry", depending on how long audiences remain interested in the theme of collective courtship.

Several directors are planning projects where one girl becomes the object of multiple amorous adorations. 

Manoj Bhatia, who directed the candy floss romance "Uff....Kya Jadoo Mohabbat Hai", is planning a film called "Tom & Jerry" about two guys wooing the same girl, all stops pulled out. He wants Sammir Dattani and Vatsal Seth to play the leads in this modern day interpretation of the hare-and-tortoise fable.

Remember how Deepti Naval shrivelled and recoiled at the attention she got from Farouq Sheikh and Naseeruddin Shah in "Katha"?

Akshay Kumar and John Abraham play photographers with a roving eye in "Garam Masala". Three new girls - Neetu Chandra, Nargis and Daisy Bopanna - happily and unapologetically run riot with flirty wisdom.

The guys in our new fables are far more aggressive and explicit about their intentions. And the ladies are loving it!

Says "Garam Masala" heroine Neetu Chandra, "You can't be Sati Savitri on screen any longer. It is certainly the era of making an impression. You cannot let nature takes it course. You have to make it happen for yourself. And now." 
 
Nadira passes away after cardiac seizure
Indo-Asian News Service

Mumbai, Feb 9 (IANS) Yesteryears Bollywood actress Nadira died late Wednesday at her Mumbai home after a cardiac seizure. She was 74.

The feisty Nadira, who took Indian cinema by storm with her debut film "Aan", passed away in her south Mumbai flat where she had been living alone for many years.

The actress is best known for her roles in classics like "Shri 420", "Dil Apna Preet Parayee" and later on in spirited mother roles in "Julie" and "Sagar".

The funeral will be held Thursday evening.
 
Aamir Khan: first an actor, then a star
By Arpana, Indo-Asian News Service

New Delhi, Feb 9 (IANS) Aamir Khan, known as one of the most versatile and intelligent actors from the current lot in Bollywood, is basking in the success of his latest film "Rang De Basanti".

The 40-year-old etched out with élan the role of a fun-loving college student who is making a conscious effort not to get into the real world in the Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra film.

"I think this is his best performance till date. It was very gutsy of Aamir to do the role. And he allowed it to be so graceful. Most importantly, at the end of the film we remember all the actors' names," director Sudhir Mishra told IANS about "Rang De Basanti".

The year started on a positive note for the prolific actor. First, he tied the knot with his long time girlfriend Kiran Rao. He is planning to launch his second wife as a full-fledged director soon. 

It was followed by the release of "Rang De Basanti", which has struck gold at the box office. 

"It got a phenomenal opening and so far it has sustained the success. Till now the total collection from the film is approximately Rs.35 million and the occupancy rate is 75 percent in most of the PVR outlets," said Saurabh Varma, marketing head of PVR Cinemas. 

"Going by its current performance, we are expecting it to become a top grosser like 'Bunty Aur Bubbly'." Varma says they are planning to continue running the Aamir film next week to cash in on the festive mood of Valentine's Day.

After "Mangal Pandey's" debacle, people lost confidence in Aamir. They were beginning to get apprehensive about his playing a young college guy in "Rang De Basanti", but now his performance is being raved about. 

"You know that he is 40 years old. But what is important is whether or not he is playing the role of a college student convincingly on screen. And I think he did a great job," said director John Mathew Matthan. 

"In fact, I also cast him as a college student in my film 'Sarfarosh'. He was in his mid 30s, but he carried it off so well."

Aamir doesn't allow his star status to eclipse his characters and his films. So far, in most of his movies he has allowed his character to take charge. No wonder, we still remember Munna of "Rangeela", Ajay Rathod of "Sarfarosh", Bhuvan of "Lagaan" and Akash Malhotra of "Dil Chahta Hai". 

And there is no clash between his star status and his characters. He balances them with ease. 

He stays away from the media glare because he believes people wont come to see his film for his interviews and photo sessions and "Rang De Basanti" proves this point. 

He irked mediapersons by barring them from his wedding celebrations. But this bad publicity couldn't stop his film from becoming a huge success.

In the last five years he has appeared in four films - "Lagaan", "Dil Chahta Hai", "Mangal Pandey" and "Rang De Basanti". Except "Mangal Pandey", the other three were huge hits.

When "Mangal Pandey" faltered, the actor was subjected to heavy criticism for distorting the image of the freedom fighter. But the success of "Rang De Basanti" has almost wiped out the grey patches from his career.

Years ago, he decided to boycott award functions and do one film at a time. But 2006 has two films by him - "Rang De Basanti" which is already out and is a hit and another is Kunal Kohli's "Fanaah" with Kajol. 

Remember, in 2001 he had two release - "Lagaan" and "Dil Chahta Hai" and both had created history? May be in 2006, history will repeat itself.
 
Model commits suicide in Mumbai
Indo-Asian News Service

Mumbai, Feb 9 (IANS) Popular television actress and model Kuljeet Randhawa has hanged herself in her apartment here, saying she couldn't cope with life's pressures any more.

Randhawa, 30, took the extreme step at her home in Juhu, a western suburb of Mumbai, police said. A maid found her body Wednesday night and alerted police. 

In a suicide note, Kuljeet said she was ending her life, as she was unable to cope with life's pressures, police said. 

Known for her role in serials like "Kohinoor" and "Special Squad", Randhawa was a well-known face in the advertisement world and had acted in several commercials for companies like Pepsi and Whirlpool. 

In "Kohinoor", she played the character of Irawati Kohli, who has a doctorate in ancient history and archaeology with a special leaning towards India. 

Randhawa's suicide has brought back memories of the suicide by model turned VJ Nafisa Joseph in 2004.
 
Hyderabad court issues warrant against Dilip Kumar
Indo-Asian News Service

Hyderabad, Feb 9 (IANS) A Hyderabad court Thursday issued a non-bailable warrant (NBW) against thespian Dilip Kumar in a case of cheque bouncing in 1998.

The cheques were issued by G.K. Exim India, registered in Kolkata with Dilip Kumar as chairman, for Rs.10 million to Hyderabad-based Deccan Cements towards repayment of an inter-corporate deposit in 1998 but they had bounced.

The 14th Hyderabad Chief Metropolitan Magistrate issued the NBW against Dilip Kumar and two other directors of the firm - Gopala Krishna Rathi and Anuj Rathi.

The magistrate had directed the police to produce Dilip Kumar, listed as accused number two, along with the two others on Feb 8.

Following the court order, Hyderabad police have sought the help of Mumbai police to serve the NBW on Dilip Kumar and others.

Deccan Cements had sent a statutory legal notice in June 1998 and followed it up with a criminal case against 11 people, including the ageing actor. 

Since the actor and others failed to appear before the court on a number of occasions in the past, the magistrate issued the non-bailable warrant. 

 
Censors passed 'Holiday' without cuts: Pooja Bhatt
By Arpana, Indo-Asian News Service

New Delhi, Feb 10 (IANS) Actor-filmmaker Pooja Bhatt says she has broken a record of sorts with "Holiday" as it is the first film from the Bhatt banner to get a 'U' certificate without any cuts.

"It is a family film and for the first time in the Bhatt 'khandan' a film has got a 'U' certificate without any cuts. It is a record. We had got a 'U' in 'Tammana' and 'Sur' but with a few cuts and now I have broken the record," Pooja told IANS in an interview.

"Holiday", starring Dino Morea and Onjolee Nair, hit the screens Friday and is Pooja's third film. The director points out that newcomer Onjolee faces the camera without any makeup.

"In today's time there is so much pressure on women to be perfect. The special thing about 'Holiday' is that you have a heroine who says don't hide behind your makeup - take your makeup off and face the world the way you are."

Dino plays a dance instructor in the film.

"About Dino people used to say he is not a dancer. That only Hrithik Roshan or Shahid Kapur can dance, but if you watch the film you won't say Dino is not a dancer."

The film is Pooja's baby, as she didn't take any help from her father for it on the sets.

"I am very proud of 'Holiday' because for the first time I have made a film without Bhatt saab. If there is any flaw in the film, I will be responsible for it. And if the film succeeds at box office - I can say proudly I am Mahesh Bhatt's daughter.

"After watching the film, Bhatt saab sent me a message, 'I can die peacefully now'. That's the greatest compliment you could get from your father."

She is candid about her domineering image. "If a woman talks a little loudly they say she is a fascist but if a man puts you on hold for five minutes on the phone you will say he is very ambitious.

"You are a journalist, you won't get a bite if you don't push and shout. Similarly, I won't get a shot if I don't shout."

The film was screened late last year at Kara Film Festival in Karachi and was received well.

"General (Pervez) Musharraf came for the closing ceremony and thanked all Indian artistes. I almost fell off the chair because he took my name and said 'I know Pooja is here and I know she has done some good work'. So it is a great compliment for you when your enemy praises you."

Pooja also takes credit for introducing models in the industry, John Abraham being a prime example. "It is easier to work with models," she says.

"The reason is they are familiar with the camera and know how to hold themselves in front of the still camera or when the camera rolls. You don't have to teach them the basics. The fallacy that models can't act, I think, we proved wrong with John," she added.

She insists she has just taken a break from acting.

"I have not quit acting, I have a taken a break from acting. I think after doing movies like 'Daddy', 'Dil Hai Ki Manta Nahin', 'Sir', 'Zakhm' and 'Tamanna', you get a little spoilt for roles. Unless the role is as challenging as 'Zakhm' or as special as 'Everybody Says I Am Fine', why should I act?"

Pooja, who tied the knot with VJ-turned-hotelier Munish Makhija, believes a good marriage means no change in you and a bad marriage forces you to change.

"So luckily for me I met a man who is big enough in his heart to be able to absorb me the way I am."
 
Deepa Mehta signs John, wants Amitabh for next
Indo-Asian News Service

Mumbai, Feb 10 (IANS) The raves and waves for "Water" have still to reach their optimum level. But the film's rapturous director Deepa Mehta and leading man John Abraham have decided to come together again.

Deepa has decided to sign John for a key role in her next multimillion epic project "Komagata Maru".

Says Deepa: "After 'Water' I have realised how professional and pleasant Indian actors can be. John's discipline before, during and after 'Water' is exemplary. Here was this actor from an English-speaking background who mastered the Sanskrit words in the dialogues, learnt to play the flute and to wear the dhoti and came on location in Sri Lanka fully prepared.

"I was totally bowled over. As the shooting progressed, I realised what a fine performer John was. I think subconsciously I had made up my mind to work with John again even before 'Water' was completed."

Deepa is also keen to have Amitabh Bachchan play a central role in "Komagata Maru".

"I think it's very important to have the cast in place. When I close my eyes, I see Mr. Bachchan and John in 'Komagata Maru'."

Elaborating on the impact John has made on the director personally and on the movie, Deepa says: "His goodness of heart shows up on screen and in his real-life conduct. You have no idea how much of an impact John made with his performance. He has mobs of fans of every age and gender running after him."

Deepa regrets her first choice for the two leads in "Water" didn't work out.

"I sincerely wanted Kareena Kapoor for the main lead. I had seen her in 'Refugee' and thought she was the perfect blend of beauty and talent. She's ethereal. I thought she would be perfect as Kalyani. I flew down to Mumbai, met her with her mom. Kareena seemed so excited. Then suddenly I was left with only her secretary to deal with...

"As for Rahul Khanna, I am very fond of him. It's a pity he couldn't do 'Water'. But it was all for the best. Because I can't imagine 'Water' without John and Lisa."

John goes into "Komagata Maru" as soon as Deepa finishes her script. "Right now we are enjoying the attention after 'Water'." 
 
Akshay comedy hour nearly over
By Subhash K. Jha, Indo-Asian News Service

Mumbai, Feb 10 (IANS) Akshay Kumar does have a sense of humour. And you don't need to watch him in "Garam Masala" to know that.

At the Screen awards he went on stage to receive the award for best editor... a dig at all those co-stars who have accused Akshay of tampering with their roles.

"It wasn't meant to be a dig at anyone except myself. The joke was on me, and everyone finally caught on. It is very important to finally see the lighter side of this profession. Stardom, success, celebrity status... these are all illusions. We shouldn't get carried away by them," Akshay told IANS.

But he has had enough of laughs for now. "It's time to get serious," Akshay mock-admits.

He is shooting for another comedy, Neeraj Vora's "Phir Hera Pheri", a sequel to Priyadarshan's "Hera Pheri". "I have worked with Neeraj Vora before. I know what he is capable of. I have confidence in all human beings. All you need to do is touch the right nerves."

Akshay's last comic romp "Deewane Huye Paagal" was a bit of damper.

"I'd have preferred to space out the comedies. I feel 'Deewane...' came much too soon after 'Garam Masala'. It was too much of the comic mood.

"But Raj Kanwar's 'Humko Deewana Kar Gaye', which releases in April, moves away from comedy. It is a cool romantic film. I like working with Raj Kanwar. I think audiences will like what we have done this time after 'Andaaz'."

If there's anything that Akshay likes doing more than acting, it is playing daddy to his son.

On Republic Day the actor took the entire day off to be with his son Aarav. In the evening Aarav and a large group of his little neighbours went to see "The Chronicles Of Narnia" with the star-dad. It was hard to make out who was having more fun: Aarav and his little friends or Akshay.

"Actually I am a bigger child than my own son. And I have more fun going out with him and his friends than they do," says the star.

Aarav seems to have inherited his father's generous nature. The little scene-stealer has a heart of gold. When he sees a beggar boy at the traffic signal he promptly offers to share his school tiffin with the less privileged soul.

Akshay's latest film "Family" hasn't done as well as his other films in 2005.

"But I've no regrets. I did 'Family' for Keshu Ramsay who's an old and trusted friend. We have done many films together. When he decided to launch his son it was my duty and pleasure to support him." 
 
Cartoon Network launches 'Camp Lazlo'
Indo-Asian News Service

Mumbai, Feb 10 (IANS) Cartoon Network launches an animated half-hour comedy series "Camp Lazlo", an Indianised version of a wacky monkey's romp through a highly structured summer home, this Sunday.

The first instalment will be premiered this Sunday at 9:30 a.m. 

"Kids love adventure. 'Camp Lazlo' is sure to rivet kids to their seats every Sunday through its distinctive characters, comic situations and enjoyable story-plots," Vishnu Athreya, senior programming manager, Cartoon Network, India and South Asia, said in a statement. 

"With 'Camp Lazlo', we will be looking at strengthening our existing rock-solid line up, which boasts the Indian production of 'Akbar & Birbal', and other classics including 'Tom & Jerry' and 'Baby Looney Tunes'." 

In sync with Cartoon Network's overall localisation strategy, "Camp Lazlo" has been given an Indian look by carefully introducing Indian nuances and touches to each of the characters through voicing by Indian artistes. 

In the Indian version, Lazlo is a natural-born non-conformist who joins the camp from Mumbai. His attitude is very much that of a Mumbai schoolboy, with a great imagination and optimistic spirit. He lives in Jelly Cabin with his pals and co-conspirators Raj, a reluctant, compulsive Indian elephant, and Clam, an eccentric, misfit, genius, albino South Indian pygmy rhino. 
 
Nadira's was a fragrant solitude: Gulzar pays tribute
Indo-Asian News Service

Mumbai, Feb 10 (IANS) There's a story about the radically chic Nadira. About five years ago, a producer went to her small but elegant apartment in south Mumbai to sign her. He had a contract ready. 

Nadira took one imperious look at the contract and threw it at the shocked producer's face. "I've worked with the likes of Mehboob Khan and Raj Kapoor. They never made me sign a contract."

This was the lady who rewrote many rules of starry conduct in Bollywood. Gulzar pays a nostalgic but unsentimental homage to the feisty actress who died here Thursday morning at the age of 74:

"She was one of the most large-hearted women I had ever met. She was all heart...I worked with her only once, for my serialisation of short stories on national television called 'Kirdaar'. She did a story about a faded actress called 'Sunset Boulevard'. I started the narration with the actress sitting at home watching herself on a 16 mm screen singing 'Mud mud ke na dekh' ('Shri 420'). 

"I remember Nadiraji got nostalgic after the shot. She spoke about Mehboob Khan and Raj Kapoor. People seemed to think she was lonely. Was she? I don't know. Some people are lonely by nature, others are destined to be lonely. She would've been lonely even when surrounded by people. 

"It wasn't as though Nadiraji was short of friends. Whoever she met in the journey of life remained attached to her to the end. At her funeral, Nimmi and her husband Ali Reza were there, so were Shammi, Amin Sayani and Mahesh Bhatt saab...and the man who remained with her till the end was Rungta saab (owner of the Famous studios). She didn't make a family. She married Nakqshab saab who migrated to Pakistan and remarried. Women are so large-hearted. Nadiraji forgave him.

"She was a voracious reader, and not out of loneliness. Even when she worked with Mehboob Khan Saab in 'Aan' she read ferociously. She lived her life in books, and that's the way she liked it...I met her on a flight some years ago. She came up to my seat and said she wanted to sit next to me. When the airhostess told her to wait, she took me along and forced me to sit with her. Then she looked at me and said, 'You're a senior citizen. You can get a discount on your air tickets.' 

"She was a really sweet friend. I remember one of our first meetings at my relative's home. When I was introduced as an aspiring poet, she quipped, 'So you want to be another Ghalib?' That day she spoke to me as though I was a schoolboy...She lived her life the way she wanted to. And that's the way it should be. No one can live life the way other people want...Shaadi kar leti, bachche hote...Suchitra Sen has all of that. Still she's all alone, isn't she? It's a creative solitude, and therefore desirable."

"People presumed my short story 'Sunset Boulevard' is based on Suchitra Sen's life. It isn't. It can be any lonely actress, Meena Kumari, Suchitra Sen or Nadira...It's a fragrant solitude. Let it be. Don't try to romanticise it in a cheap manner."

He gets more nostalgic about Nadira, "Her phone calls used to come suddenly. 'Gulzar saab main Farhad bol rahi hoon'. She insisted I call her by her real name. The most beautiful moment with her came when she wasn't getting her shot right during 'Kirdaar' and I got impatient. She turned to me and said one of the loveliest lines I've ever heard. 'Aapko pataa kaise chalaa ki maine aapko mujhe daant dene ki ijaazat de di?'(how did you know I had given you the permission to scold me?). It's a line I'll never forget. No small person can say something so big. I get tears in my eyes when I remember that line."

As for the film industry's tendency to abandon the old and retired denizens, Gulzar is dismissive. "Let's not play the blame game. If Nadira chose to be alone, it was her choice. You're talking about Hrishi-da (Hrishikesh Mukherjee) being neglected. Have you asked him if he wants the industry's company? He lives with his family - bahus, children...whatever he needs. 

"Everyone tries to be wise from the outside. Why do we try to make a film out of everyone's life? When I met Hrishi-da last, he had grown a beard and was cracking jokes. Where was the unhappiness? Let's not bring down the legends by pitying them."
 
'Rang...' gone beyond anything I had anticipated: Rakeysh (INTERVIEW)
By Subhash K. Jha, Indo Asian News Service

Mumbai, Feb 10 (IANS) Two weeks after its release, it's crystal clear that "Rang De Basanti" is a huge success. The ramifications are far and wide. And director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra is personally visiting every major city in the country to see how the film has connected with people.

"The credit must go to the audiences for its success. It is crazy... I was at Abhishek's (Bachchan) birthday bash on Sunday night. The entire industry was there. Everyone, from actors, directors to producers, came up to me to speak about 'Rang De Basanti'. Now I am dying to show the film to Amit-ji (Amitabh Bachchan). I am feeling incomplete without his viewing the film."

In a day or two, Amitabh Bachchan is expected to visit a theatre close to his home to watch his "Aks" director's achievement. 

"From day one of the release he has been in touch. Amit-ji was the first one I called the day the film was ready. The second weekend... and it is still going houseful. 

"It hasn't gone to the 'C' centres yet. The prints are consumed by 'A' and 'B' centres. My Mumbai distributor Anil Thadani educated me on the collections. Earlier there were 28 shows per week. Now it is like 14 shows per day. So technically the film has already completed 100 days."

The film has also triggered a debate on communal strife. 

"It was so important for Om Puri-ji to play the brief part of a Muslim father. I needed a powerful voice. It had to be the voice of the minority. It had to be convincing. I was in Ahmedabad. I was invited by Ashok Bohra (who pioneered the multiplex movement in Gujarat) to see the film in old Ahmedabad, which is a riot-sensitive area. I had a really rewarding time. Suddenly, I realised I was watching the film with a very sensitive audience. 

"The Hindu-Muslim issue in 'Rang De Basanti' concerned them. I spoke to the audience after the film. In fact, the next show was delayed by half an hour while I spoke to the audience, which was 70 percent Muslim and 30 percent Hindu. We had an informal debate. They were very happy with my film because it propagates the idea of living in communal harmony."

The film's relevance is multiplying with every passing day. 

"I'm just a cog in the wheel. 'Rang De Basanti' is a venting of so many ideas simmering within me. Please try to understand, I am not important. The film is. But I can't allow myself to be weighed down by these considerations. A lady in Ahmedabad asked me to do more films like 'Rang De Basanti', which provoke thought. 

"But I can't be holier-than-thou about it. I can't whip up an identical sincerity and passion within myself. Things that bother you come out on screen. There're so many other issues other than the ones in 'Rang De...' Just because it worked I can't take on the role of social reformist. If and when it happens again, it will. I have to completely believe in what I do."

Rakeysh has already is touring the country with his cast. 

"The IIT in Chennai will hold a screening for 3,000 students in an open-air theatre... It's done very well abroad. It's gone beyond anything I had ever anticipated."

Rakeysh is shy when asked about the success bash in Mumbai. "It was my producer Ronnie Screwvala. He threw a small bash and put my name as a host. We hadn't really celebrated the film's completion or success."

For the first time in living memory a film hasn't been bitched out by jealous elements in the industry. 

"I'm lucky. They love my film. The best message came from Arshad Warsi. He said, 'Even the film's food is a hit.' Both Arshad and I are passionate about food. At one time I had offered Arshad a role in 'Rang De Basanti'. 

"They have understood... there is something... The film has gone out of my hands. It is no more my film. I have quietly stepped back. People say, I have opened a pandora's box. But I have actually closed it. I had pre-conceived notions about how the film industry reacts to others' successes. But when I see their genuine love for 'Rang De Basanti', I'm pleasantly surprised... I want to go to every city in India and see personally how the film has connected."

I want to do films that are progressive: Preity (INTERVIEW)
By Subhash K. Jha, Indo-Asian News Service

Mumbai, Feb 11 (IANS) She has enacted many roles with a difference like the unwed mother in "Kya Kehna" and "Salaam Namaste" or the vixen in "Armaan", but "Kabhi Alvidaa Na Kehna" is "really different", says Preity Zinta of her new film with Karan Johar.

"Do I sound like one of those actors who are always talking about being 'hatke'. But when you see the film, you'll know what I mean," says the "Kal Ho Naa Ho" actress, who says working with Karan was an enriching experience.

Describing her role in the Karan Johar directorial venture as one she could completely connect with, she says she can't believe how gifted he is as a writer.

The actress, who celebrated her birthday on Jan 31, says money is important, but not the only criterion for accepting a role. "No matter how rich, I still will eat an ordinary biscuit, not a gold one."

Discussing her marriage plans, Preity says everything happens in its own times and she is sick of the speculations. "It's a stressful topic," Preity told IANS in an interview.

Excerpts:

Q: Did you have to get a visa to re-enter Mumbai?

A: Ha ha. No. But I had to get a new passport because there were no pages left in the old one. Now, I need to get out of my makeup to get a passport pic clicked. I love shooting in Mumbai studios. When you are shooting it's much better to do so in confined spaces where everything can be controlled.

Q: What makes this birthday special?

A: It's another year to look forward to. I don't want to sound philosophical. But I am just happy to be financially and emotionally independent. I can do what I want. But I am sad because my mom is in America with my brother. We are an absolutely global family. One of us is always travelling.

Q: How's it working with Karan?

A: Ah! After a long time a role I can completely connect with, and yet remain detached. I think Karan is really gifted as a writer. I can't believe how progressive his and Niranjan Iyenger's lines are. We were constantly bouncing ideas. Karan is someone I have always looked up to. But to work with him as a director for the first time, and that too in a project very different from his style, is a unique experience. The vibes on the sets with Amit-ji, Abhishek, Shah Rukh and Rani were amazing.

Q: Such an awesome cast?

A: To work with Karan is an enriching experience. I have discovered new facets to myself as a person and an actor. I used to call Karan the acting police on the sets of "Kabhi Alvidaa Na Kehna". He wanted to change every nuance in my personality. He wanted me to change from Preity to Priya. He was constantly correcting me. I suddenly felt like a newcomer all over again. I was born again as an actor. 

What I am doing here is very different from anything I've done so far. It gives me a chance to portray different aspects of being a woman. I have done many different roles like the unwed mom in "Kya Kehna" and "Salaam Namaste" and the vixen in "Armaan". But this one is really different. Do I sound like one of those actors who are always talking about being 'hatke'? But when you see the film you'll know what I mean...

Q: And your other assignments?

A: I only have "Alvidaa" and "Jaan-e-Man" on hand. "Jaan-e-Man" is much more casual and crazy. It is a very sweet film. I have a big smile when I go on that sets. It is a more relaxing experience as an actor. It's great fun working with Karan. But my character is far more intense. 

Q: So you didn't cash in on the success of "Salaam Namaste"?

A: You know I am not that kind of an actor. What's there to cash in on? Money is important, but not the only criterion for accepting a role! How much money does one need to live comfortably? No matter how rich, I still will eat an ordinary biscuit, not a gold one. I am having fun with my work. I want to do films that excite me, that are progressive. But I also need time to myself. I don't understand how others can do four films at the same time. I've done two and I still haven't had time to move into my new house though I got it one year ago. It's still to be done up.

Q: Even your co-star Rani Mukerji has got a new home?

A: Has she managed to move into her new place? The rumours about our rivalry are so misplaced. The mindset on a film set is decided by the director. He's the captain of the ship. It is impossible to have negative vibes on a Karan Johar set. And all us actors had the script. So we knew what we were getting into. So why fight? We all had the right to accept or reject the film. Once we accepted we are all working as a team to make the same film. For my performance to work, the film has to work. "Kabhi Alvidaa" will be powerful in the performances because the roles are all so well-etched. 

Q: You haven't worked with Abhishek before?

A: Just that bit in "Salaam Namaste". He is delightful to work with. I've lots of scenes with him. I have worked with his dad in "Armaan" and "Veer-Zaara".

Q: Are you concerned about what you'll do next?

A: No! I want to do something different from what I've done. I want to do a fun film. I am a happy-go-lucky person. I am listening to scripts.

Q: What are your final birthday thoughts... marriage?

A: I don't know where these marriage rumours came from. The people who spread these rumours got very excited with the thought. But they have finally given up. Marriage is a personal decision. I'll take the plunge when the time is right. As of now, there's nothing on the cards. 

Q: Isn't the time right now?

A: No. Everything happens in its own time. Right now I am working on my career. There's too much interest in my marriage. It is a stressful topic. I am a frank person. When there's something happening I'll announce it. Right now I am sick of these speculations. 

Q: And what gifts did you get?

A: I can buy myself anything. So my best gift from friends is that they love me for who I am. I hope they continue to support me although I don't have too much time for them. My closest friend is Shagun in Delhi. She is always there for me. I don't need birthdays for my friends to make me feel special.

 
Juhi on way to becoming superstar comedienne?
Subhash K. Jha, Indo-Asian News Service

Mumbai, Feb 11 (IANS) Everyone knows her as that rare entity called the comedienne... the latest example being the mad ad where she plays Tulsi from "Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi" with wicked wit. Now Juhi Chawla will have a whole film written to exploit her comic talents. 

To be produced by Sa Re Ga Ma, Ananth Mahadevan's "Na Na Karte" will feature Juhi in a unique tailor-made role of the kind never done by a Hindi film heroine before.

Says Sa Re Ga Ma's chief executive (movie production) Harish Dayani: "Though the film will have two heroes and leading ladies, so far we've locked in only Juhi Chawla for the project. It's a role only she can do and a film that perhaps cannot be made without her. Juhi plays a male version of what Paresh Rawal generally does in our movies."

Director Mahadevan, who has just wrapped up an amazing humanistic drama "Staying Alive", is looking forward to doing this out and out frolic. 

"Though I've done comedy on TV ('Ghar Jamai') and my feature film 'Dil Maange More' was a romantic comedy, 'Na Na Karte' will be the first comedy with an actress. I consider Juhi the Goldie Hawn of India. Her comic potential is illimitable. I wrote the role with her in mind. Juhi plays a goofy do-gooder who unknowingly gets into trouble for all the wrong reasons. If it works, Juhi could become the first female comic superstar of Bollywood."

Incidentally, Rekha and Mallika Sherawat recently tried doing a full-on comedy " Bachke Rehna Re Baba" and fell flat on their 'farce'.
  
Sujoy Ghosh to direct children's film
By Manissha Despaande, Indo-Asian News Service

Mumbai, Feb 11 (IANS) Filmmaker Sujoy Ghosh, who was severely disillusioned with the poor response to his last film "Home Delivery", has now started work on a children's film for his next project. 

"It is a tough genre, even more complex and demanding than any other genre of filmmaking but making a children's film has been on my mind for a long time," Ghosh was quoted as saying by Bollywood Trade. 

However, he is hesitant about divulging more details about the project. "I haven't thought of the cast yet. It may take a few more months before I finish the scripting. Once I have the script, I'll be better equipped to talk about the casting," he says. 

-*-

After 'Sarkar', Zakir plays 'sensitive' villain 

After his hard-hitting performance as a villain in "Sarkar", Zakir Hussain will be once again be seen in a negative role in Tanveer Khan's "Deadline-Sirf 24 Ghante". 

In the film, Zakir plays the role of a villain who shows a lot of sensitivity to the protagonists. A sensitive villain? "Why not! People with grey shades to their characters also have a humane side to them. In the film, I am bad but not as ugly. Most of my screen time is spent with the abducted child Princey and she never hates me," he is quoted as saying by Bollywood Trade. 

Zakir currently has an interesting line-up of films in which he plays diverse characters, most of them grey. There's Ram Gopal Varma's "Darwaza Bandh Rakho", "Shiva", "Shabari" and "Darna Zaroori Hai", Jhamu Sugandh's "Johny Gaddar" and "He-The Only Man" directed by Lalit Marathe and Padmaylaya Films' "Fool N Final". 

As if that's not enough, the talented theatre artist is also dabbling in television roles on the small screen. Says Zakir: "I never see the size of the screen when I accept a character. Whether it's the big screen or the small screen, I go by my role and its sensitivity," he says. 
 
Aishwarya, Abhishek to marry: reports
Indo-Asian News Service

Bangalore, Feb 11 (IANS) Reigning Bollywood queen Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan, son of superstar Amitabh Bachchan, are all set to wed, said media reports Saturday.

Amitabh Bachchan's brother Ajitabh has consulted Banglore-based astrologer Chandrashekhar Swamy with the horoscopes of the two young stars, a local news channel reported.

According to Swamy, the horoscopes of both the popular stars matched and "god willing, the wedding will happen".

In an interview to a Kannada news channel (ETV), Swamy said Amitabh's brother called on him Friday with the horoscopes (jatakas) of Ash and Abhishek for matchmaking.

"I have known Aishwarya's father and mother for a long time as we hail from the same village (Punaroor) near Mangalore. They regularly consult me for family and religious ceremonies, besides astrology. I have conducted homas (holy fire worship) for them in Mumbai and in my house," Swamy was quoted as saying by the local channel.

Though the London-based Ajitabh was reticent in commenting on his sudden trip to Bangalore, he said the wedding was in the hands of destiny.

"I have no comments to make. It is left to destiny," Ajitabh said.

Within hours after the channel began flashing the news on the Swamy-Ajitabh meeting with exclusive footage, fans of both the stars began to throng the astrologer's residence. They were followed by hordes of media personnel, including television crews.

Swamy, however, declined to interact with the media. Insiders, who were witness to the interaction between Swamy and Ajitabh, said the astrologer approved the alliance and predicted that the couple would lead a happy life.

Ajitabh was reportedly sent by Aishwarya's father to consult Swamy after their families had informally agreed to such an alliance.

Even the former Miss World had visited Swamy a couple of months ago on her way to Tirupati, a close aide of Swamy said.

Swamy is popular with a host of dignitaries, including politicians, corporate honchos and tinsel-world celebrities, including Kannada matinee idol Rajkumar.
 
Now Switzerland goes gaga over Bollywood
By Alpana Varma, Indo-Asian News Service

Zurich, Feb 12 (IANS) Bollywood films are growing in popularity in Switzerland with Aamir Khan's "Rang de Basanti" being the latest to draw rave reviews and audience applause. 

"We had to wait long till once again a film from Aamir Khan, the star from 'Lagaan', comes to our cinema," said Zuritipp, the cultural news supplement of Zurich's largest selling German language daily Tages Anzeiger. 

The film has been accorded three stars in the movie section of 20 Minutes, a tabloid circulated free in trams, buses and trains. This rating puts it on a par with such Hollywood flicks as "Memories of a Geisha" and "Oliver Twist".

Aamir Khan is hugely popular in Switzerland since the "Lagaan" days, during the screening of which he had made an appearance at the Arthouse cinema, on his way back from the Locarno film festival. 

Shah Rukh Khan is also widely recognised and his "Paheli" last year was feted with four stars by 20 Minutes, a rare acclaim accorded to only few Hollywood, German, or Swiss films. His other films "Kal Ho Na Ho", "Main Hoon Na" and "Devdas" also stirred frenzied responses.

The "India Everywhere" tagline of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)-sponsored events at the recent World Economic Forum summit in Davos seems to have livened up the streets of Switzerland as one encounters Aishwarya Rai posters in Longines watch ads and Bollywood movie posters. 

Surely Bollywood has arrived in Switzerland, enjoying wide popularity, in a trend that goes beyond just a passing fad. The trend is here to stay as many people seem to see Bollywood as an alternative to Hollywood.

"The Swiss want more and more Indian films," said an employee at a cinema about Indian films that are shown in Hindi with German subtitles. 

With the increasing popularity of Hindi films, the songs are also creating a fad. Major music stores like Music Hug are flooded with CDs of Hindi film music. There was a time when such music was available only in pirated versions in Pakistani stores for the home-sick diaspora from the sub-continent. Now the most upmarket video stores are dishing out CDs of Indian films in slick packages to the Swiss public. 

What is it that appeals to the Swiss people about Hindi films? 

A Hindi movie enthusiast, Daniel Meier, said: "Oh, these actresses are so beautiful!"

As for the growing popularity of these films among young women, he said: "How much our women would love to have a man in a typical Bollywood film who loves his woman so much and is not fixated on football and going out for beer with his male peers."

Nicole Sieber, a high school teacher, said: "It's amazing how much they can pack into one film - glamour, dance, moral values, history, emotions."

Sieber, who finished her studies in English literature recently from the university of Zurich, said she had a group of about 8-10 classmates who were all crazy about dancing to Bollywood tunes, besides watching the films.

Yolanda, a student at the University of Zurich, says she likes only films showing traditional Indians. 

Switzerland seems to be repaying to Bollywood the popularity it has received as a site for shooting of so many films. 

In the summer of 2002, the university held an exhibition titled, "Bollywood and Switzerland". At the inauguration ceremony, Bollywood filmmaker Yash Chopra was honoured for his trend-setting work using Switzerland as the locale for countless dream, dance and honeymoon sequences in his films. 

The Swiss tourism industry is grateful to Chopra and other Bollywood directors for popularising the country among Indian tourists, who make up one of the largest tourist groups.

The craze seems to have spilled over to neighbouring Germany as well, where the popular TV channel RTL beams Bollywood blockbusters dubbed in German at prime time. Viewers can download ringtones of different Hindi songs on their mobile phones for three euros per downloading.

The films shown repeatedly include "Kuch Kuch Hota Hai", "Veer-Zaara", "Taal" and "Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam". 
 
Manisha Koirala's failed Nepal mission
By Sudeshna Sarkar, Indo-Asian News Service

Kathmandu, Feb 12 (IANS) Bollywood actress Manisha Koirala, who offered autographs for votes while campaigning for an independent candidate in the controversial local bodies elections in Nepal, failed to cut much ice with the voters.

Manisha, the granddaughter of Nepal's first elected prime minister the late B.P. Koirala, was in the Himalayan kingdom to campaign for Binod Arryal, a small-time politician, in the elections held Wednesday.

However, most of the Nepali voters were against the elections called by King Gyanendra with nearly 80 percent voters staying away from voting and over 54 percent of the posts remaining vacant.

The Koirala family, now headed by B.P. Koirala's brother Girija Prasad Koirala, three-time former prime minister of Nepal and chief of the Nepali Congress party, has been opposing the government headed by Gyanendra as well as the elections.

Significantly, Manisha and her father Prakash Koirala chose to support the king and the elections.

As her granduncle, two uncles and aunt were arrested for campaigning against Wednesday's polls, Manisha flew in from Mumbai to canvass for Arryal, who left the Nepali Congress to vie for the mayor's post as an independent candidate.

Along with her father, who is a minister in Gyanendra's cabinet, Manisha went to Biratnagar city in eastern Nepal, the family seat of the Koiralas, where her election mantra was "one vote, one autograph".

Though people flocked to gape at the Bollywood star, not many had interest in Manisha, the politician.

In Biratnagar, the second largest municipality after capital city Kathmandu, the bait of Manisha's autographs could fetch only 2,700 votes for Arryal.

The actress lost out to wily politician and home minister Kamal Thapa, whose nominee Prahlad Prasad Shah won the contest, garnering 7,645 votes.

Interestingly, both Manisha's father and Thapa had tried to split their mother parties to support the elections boycotted by over 80 percent of the parties, including the Nepali Congress and the Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist Leninist that won over 81 percent of the seats in the last elections.

However, while Thapa's faction of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party has been the most successful in Wednesday's elections, Prakash Koirala's Nepali Congress (Nationalist) made no mark.

Even Koirala himself, despite being B.P. Koirala's son and a minister, was eclipsed by his actress daughter who was the focus of the state media.

A defeated Manisha was returning to Mumbai Sunday, leaving speculations whether see would be coming back next year to campaign for the general election the king has decided to hold by April 2007.
 
I'm playing my age in films: Sanjay Dutt (INTERVIEW)
By Subhash K. Jha, Indo-Asian News Service

Mumbai, Feb 12 (IANS) Sanjay Dutt isn't a recluse. He just has too much on his mind and plate and he hates being answerable. He feels an actor needs to act his age. 

According to him, it's very important for actors to accept the years. After an overnight shooting spree, he speaks about himself and his movies in a rare interview, his first in months, to IANS.

At 46, Sanjay says: "I need to act my age. Its very important for actors to accept the years."

He also rules out being in politics like his father and sister. 

Excerpts from the interview: 

Q: "Zinda" is a very important film in your career?

A: Why do you say that?

Q: It allows you connect with very personal anguished emotions. 

A: In a way...yes, a little bit. But I prefer not to connect with myself to play a role. It's too complicated a process for me. I prefer to go with the character. Yeah, parts of "Zinda" like the scenes in jail disturbed me. But on the whole I played this troubled tortured man from outside. 

Q: But surely the past does make your present tense!

A: (Laughs) You've known me for years. You've seen me go through trying times. I've chosen to disconnect with my past completely. "Zinda" required me to be extremely emotional, and yet completely focused. It was a very difficult to role to play. I had to walk a very thin line. I could've gone over-board at any time. I made a conscious effort not to go berserk.

Q: The violence is stomach-churning!

A: I sat with Sanjay Gupta and brain stormed over this issue. Today when the film is doing well, I guess the violence is justified. I think it was needed in the plot. We decided we had to have the violence. If people have accepted it we're relieved. I'm glad people are willing to accept something new.

Q: Your audience thinks your roles can only be played by you?

A: I'm flattered. And I'm grateful. I don't take my so-called stardom seriously. I just like to be the one I am regardless of ups or downs. People love me the way I am. I can't change myself to behave like a star. 

I'm a guy who goes completely with the flow. I hang out with my own set of friends. And they haven't changed. Sanjay Gupta has been a close friend for years. I've been in almost all his films. 

I don't think any of the so-called top banners have contributed to my career. I like to be work with friends. I don't care about being No.1 or No.2. I am Sanjay Dutt and I want to remain who I am. I've an audience and I'm thankful to them. I'm happy to be where I am.

Q: In fact Sanjay Gupta has become a big player through your continual support.

A: Arrey nahin, yaar! He's a very talented boy. I'm grateful to him for giving me roles like "Kaante" and "Zinda". I'm always with him. And I'm so happy that at last he has proved himself with "Zinda".

Q: You're getting to play your age these days?

A: You know, I'm not getting the kind of roles that require me to dance around trees. I'm 46 now. I need to act my age. It's very important for actors to accept the years. Once they do that they start growing as an actor. I think I've accepted my age in my recent films like "Parineeta" and "Zinda", and even that cameo in "Shaadi No.1".

Q: Why did you do a supporting role to Saif Ali Khan in "Parineeta"? 

A: I won't lie to you. Just like Sanjay Gupta and Mahesh Manjrekar, Vinod Chopra is like family to me. I can never say no to Vinod. He's like an elder brother. I've told him I want to be in every film of his, even if it is for a passing shot. I know Vinod will never take advantage of me.

Q: But a lot of people felt there was too little of you in "Parineeta". 

A: But I couldn't have played Saif's role. I'm not into measuring the length of a role. I'll do it for friends, family...I go by my heart completely. Sometimes I get hurt. But my heart never lets me down.

Q: What are your current assignments?

A: I'm doing the sequel to "Munnabhai MBBS" with Raju Hirani. Then I've a very nice comedy with Abbas-Mustan where Ajay Devgan co-stars with me. I've really cut down on my assignments. I may do a film with Sanjay Gupta this year. I want to do just one film at a time.

Q: What do you plan to do with Sanjay Gupta next?

A: Nothing decided right now. We were going through the hiccups of releasing "Zinda". We couldn't get a distributor in Bihar...We haven't sat down to talk about our next project. Now that "Zinda" is a hit we'll be doing something even more unexpected.

Q: Is the "Munnabhai" sequel turning out as well as the original?

A: It's even better. It's so hilarious and emotional. I agree "Munnabhai" is the "Mother India" of my career. I've been in the film industry for 25 tears. Raju Hirani is such a superb director. And he isn't at all corrupted. 

He doesn't make movies for money, but for the love of it. After such a big hit like "Munnabhai" he could be doing 15 films and made a fortune. Instead he's making one film again for Vinod Chopra. Raju still lives in the same small apartment in Bandra (East). I'm proud to be associated with him.

Q: What do you play in the sequel?

A: It's the same character and the same supporting cast. I'm Munnabhai but it's a completely different story. 

Q: You recently lost your father...

A: I don't feel he's gone. His death was so sudden I had to grow up suddenly. I've two younger sisters and I feel like their father. I've no excuse to remain a kid any longer. I've no dad to run to with my problems. He was there to bail me out of every crisis. Sometimes when I'm sitting with my sisters it hits us that he's no more.

Q: Would you like to be in politics like your dad and sister?

A: Never. I don't understand politics. I'll always work in films and make people happy.

Q: Your problems with the law persist...

A: I've left it to fate and destiny. I haven't hurt or harmed anyone in life. God is great. One day, I will get justice. If I sit and think about it, my work gets affected. I've just left it to god.

Q: How can you work with so much stress?

A: I use work as a therapy. I go to the gym. I go out with friends, or just sit with my family - an occasional dinner.

Q: How often do you meet your daughter?

A: I've a court matter to attend to. I can't keep applying for permission to go out of the country. She comes here for holidays. I go when I can.

Q: Didn't the portions in "Zinda" with the daughter disturb you?

A: No they didn't. There's no sense in living with or in the past. It takes a lot of effort to move on. But I've done it. 

Q: The Bachchans are very fond of you.

A: Abhishek is like a younger brother. In spite of being Amitji and Jayaji's son he's so down to earth. That quality will take him a long way. When his initial films failed I was the only guy saying he was the dark horse. Today I'm so proud of him. He's got such terrific films on hand. I get angry with him when he does stupid roles.

Q: So do you.

A: I've been here for 25 years. I can afford to do stupid roles.

Q: Apart from Abhishek whom do you like among the younger actors? 

A: After working with him in "Zinda" I realised how good John Abraham is. Hrithik is a good actor.

Q: After you who has the potential to be the next Sanjay Dutt?

A: You tell me.
 
'Angad' of 'Kaisa Yeh Pyar Hai' serial turns 26
By Subhash K. Jha, Indo-Asian News Service

Mumbai, Feb 12 (IANS) Iqbal Khan, star of the hit television serial "Kaisa Yeh Pyar Hai", couldn't have hoped for a better 26th birthday. His parents came from his home in Kashmir to be with him here and his girlfriend Sneha arranged for a small celebration too.

"Though work-wise this is the happiest birthday I could've hoped for, time has become my biggest enemy," said the birthday boy. "One of my shootings was cancelled, and that gave me some time to sleep late and relax. Then in the night I had to shoot for my serial. I rushed later to Sneha's home to cut the cake."

Iqbal will soon be seen on the popular Sony game show "Deal Ya No Deal". Wouldn't he prefer to be with his own girlfriend on the show? 

"Sony wanted 'Angad' (played by Iqbal) and 'Kripa' (actress Neha Bamb), the characters from our hit serial 'Kaisa Yeh Pyar Hai' on the show. I know there's the danger of audiences seeing us as a real-life pair. But I make sure I talk about my girlfriend Sneha at every public performance, and I'll do so on 'Deal Ya No Deal'."

And what's the marriage deal? 

"I first need to get ourselves a house... and some time to spend with the people I love. In fact, one reason why I'm working through my birthday is because I want to be free on the 12th when my sister is coming to Mumbai. My parents who are here, can't take the Mumbai climate. They'll be going back home soon and I haven't found time to spend with them. Hopefully my career will be more streamlined this year."

Iqbal is delighted by the response that his little stint on Ekta Kapoor's "Kaisa Yeh Pyar Hai" got him. 

Laughs the TV star, "Last year Ekta Kapoor had gifted me with 'Kaisa Yeh Pyar Hai' for my birthday. Let's see what she has in store this time."
 
Bengali film 'Kaalpurush' to be screened at Berlin film fest 
Subhash K. Jha, Indo-Asian News Service

Mumbai, Feb 12 (IANS) National award winning Bengali film director Buddhadeb Das Gupta's "Kaalpurush" (Memories in the Mist) has been selected for the prestigious Panorama section of the ongoing Berlin film festival and the film's leading man, Rahul Bose, is elated.
 
"It's truly a first for me on many levels. It's my first film in Bengali, my first with Buddhadeb Dasgupta and also the first time that I'll be going to the Berlin film festival," says Rahul.

Rahul is just back in Mumbai after a long stint of shooting for Santosh Sivan's film "Kerala", in Munar. 

"I've been on several occasions to the festivals in Cannes and Venice. But never to Berlin. My director, producer (Sanjay Raotre) and I are in Berlin on Feb 16, 17 and 18. The gala screening is on the 17th. Even as a diehard festival buff I'm excited by this honour. Not too often does an Indian, and that too a 'regional' film get into the panorama section in Berlin."

Back home the actor is totally charged about Santosh Sivan's "Kerala" which he has just completed. "From the camerawork to the art direction to the performances by both the Indian and international actors... this film smells of being an achievement of some substance."

Rahul pauses to consider the honour. "'Kaalpurush' has come a logical step forward by being in Berlin. It was earlier screened at the Toronto film festival."

And what will Rahul wear in Berlin for the Feb 9-19 festival?

"I think I'll wear some clothes," he ponders at his own deadpan wit. 
 
Multiplexes turn middle class into toast of Bollywood
By Priyanka Khanna, Indo-Asian News Service

New Delhi, Feb 12 (IANS) Moviemaking moguls are courting the great Indian teeming middle class like never before, making their mundane and ordinary lives the inspiration for films to feed the ever-escalating demand of multiplexes.

Close on the heels of mega successful "Rang De Basanti", a coming of age film about average Indian youths, a couple of more films inspired by middle class lives went on the marquees.

"Mixed Doubles" by Rajat Kapoor starring Rajat, Konkona Sen Sharma, Ranvir Shorey and Koel Purie tells a story of a regular, middle class couple whose love life has lost the spice and what they do or not do about it.

Alongside was released "Holiday", directed by Pooja Bhatt and starring newcomer Onjolie Nair with Dino Morea, Kashmera Shah and Gulshan Grover. The film, inspired heavily by Hollywood-hit "Dirty Dancing", tells the story of an ordinary girl who is more of an underdog in the family but grows in self-confidence to become an achiever.

Says media-savvy producer-director Pooja Bhatt: "Audiences want to see people just like themselves on the screen and are elated when the underdog succeeds. Look at 'Iqbal'. It is the story of an underdog who makes it big in spite of all odds."

Speaking about the box-office fate of her third film, she said: "I work on a business model that ensures that my films don't lose money. With three films under my belt, I think I have been able to silence detractors and win the confidence of the trade."

Interestingly, nearly all small-budget multiplex-targeted films that have managed to make money at the box-office were middle class-inspired stories. These include "Mr & Mrs Iyer", "Jhankar Beats", "Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi", "Iqbal" and even "Page 3" that told a story through the eyes of a middle class girl.

The working class soap queens are also ruling the television world. That the success of "Jassi Jaisa Koi Nahi" was not just an exception has been proven beyond doubt with the success of subsequent wannabes.

Not so long ago, Bollywood was routinely accused of promoting upper class lifestyle, with stars sporting foreign labels and romping in foreign locales.

Though Bollywood will continue to play to an ever more wealthy, urban upper-middle class in India, and an ever-growing population of NRIs globally, it is taking tiny steps to connect with the urban middle class and rural youth.

As the culture of multiplexes in India spreads to small cities and towns the trend is set to grow. The resounding success of "Bunty Aur Babli" and "Rang De Basanti" that found favour across classes and the rural and urban divide are an indication of the times to come.

The multiplex crowd across small and big cities, however, is not yet game for films like "Amu" and "Dansh". At the end of the day, they want a feel-good movie. This could be the reason why despite the advent of multiplexes the biggest draw at the box-office are Bollywood potboilers churned out by big banners.

Whenever a big banner film releases, multiplex owners cannot avoid the temptation to flood all the screens with the same film, leaving no hope for cinegoers who may want to see something else.

However, things are set to change. 

The number of multiplexes around the country is projected to double from the current level of 70-odd to over 150 in the next couple of years. The availability of seats is expected to jump from under 100,000 to 160,000. This can only spell good news for experimental filmmakers and one can expect more and more real stories sharing the space with larger-than-life fables.

-*-

The mushrooming of multiplexes has come as a boom for female filmmakers in India with director-producer Pooja Bhatt emerging as among the most successful.

In her early 30s, she is perhaps the youngest female filmmaker in Bollywood to have produced eight films and directed three of them. Pooja's directorial debut - "Jism" - had raised many eyebrows for its steamy scenes but also gave the industry two of its hottest reigning stars Bipasha Basu and John Abraham.

The daughter of prolific Bollywood veteran Mahesh Bhatt, Pooja may not be able to compete with her contemporaries in the department of aesthetics but she wins hands down when it comes to quantities. And the best part is that her films always make money one way or other.

-*-

Latest releases "Holiday" and "Mixed Doubles" not only have to contend with last week's release "Aksar" that is doing decent business but also the three-week-old "Rang De Basanti".

The box-office is ablaze with "Rang De Basanti" continuing its victorious march both in the domestic and overseas market. In fact according to trade analyst Taran Adarsh, "Rang De Basanti" is well on its way to be the biggest overseas grosser in recent times. The film is doing remarkable business and the 10-day gross from Britain and US alone is about Rs.86 million ($2 million).

"Aksar" starring the hot-n-happening Emraan Hashmi and with music by the reigning rage Himesh Reshammiya is catching on with the youth while "Mere Jeevan Saathi" is struggling in spite of the presence of stars like Akshaye Kumar and a much-promoted return of Karisma Kapoor. Clearly, "Aksar" got its marketing right.

It remains to be seen if ace movie marketer Pooja Bhatt can do the same for her latest release "Holiday" and attract multiplex crowds with her middle class girl success story.
 
Vinit took Kolkata by storm
By Subhash K. Jha, Indo-Asian News Service

Kolkata, Feb 13 (IANS) At the Kolkata airport when TV show 'Sa Re Ga Ma Pa' finalist Vinit got off an aircraft from Mumbai, thousands and thousands of fans surged forward calling his name.

They threw flowers and thrust slips of paper into his face. Vinit looked flummoxed, then pleased. Coincidentally, the two "Fame Gurukul" winners Rooprekha Banerjee and Qazi Touqeer were also at the airport. There was minimal interest in them.

Debojit and Vinit arrived in Kolkata last week and performed at the City Centre, Salt Lake. While Debojit looked around curiously and cautiously, Vinit was a little bewildered when the girls and boys started shrieking.

"It isn't as though I'm not used to crowds by now. I have been through enough live performances all over India ever since 'Sa Re Ga Ma Pa' happened to me. I do take to the audience immediately and instinctively. But this is something else," said Vinit who sang "Janaab-e-jaani" with his mentor Himesh Reshammiya on stage.

When Debojit got together with his mentor Ismail Durbar to render "Woh kisna hai", the audiences were enthusiastic in their response, though not delirious.

"Debojit definitely has a fan following, and you can see he has fanatics instead of fans," said "Sa Re Ga Ma" producer Gajendra Singh. 

Singh then pointed to the fans of the other finalist. "But Vinit has fans who love him for what he is, and not where he comes from. Vinit definitely has an edge." 

Reshammiya actually got on stage during the performance to warn audiences not to get swayed by the contestants' places of origin but to focus on talent.

But the crowds didn't seem to need any prompting. They went berserk for Lucknow boy Vinit. Truckloads of girls had arrived, many in school uniforms. They screamed Vinit's name as though their life depended on it. Gifts were heaped on him from all sides. One young woman caught hold of Vinit and kissed him. Vinit looked shocked. 

But the best was yet to come. A young woman came forward with a parcel. "This is something I have bought for you with my first salary," she thrust the offering to Vinit. The star of the evening looked confused. He smiled nervously.

"Imagine a 17-year-old boy from a small town, suddenly faced with super-stardom. Imagine what it must be doing to his head. Vinit needs to remain grounded," said Singh. 

Half way through the performance, crowds broke the barricade and moved towards the stage. Debojit looked pleased. Vinit was alarmed. The crowd headed towards Vinit and pushed him down. Vinit stumbled, fell and quickly picked himself up.

The show wrapped up at 10 p.m. Vinit was stunned by the experience. "I never thought such attention is possible. It is enough to turn anyone's head. I am going back with a bagful of gifts from people I never knew!"

He showed maturity way beyond his years when he confided. "I am worried about my voice. It hasn't yet changed with puberty. And it is being put under so much strain. I am guarding it as best as I can. But yes, I feel the strains of puberty in my vocal chords."

When told that the attention he got in Kolkata was much more than that for his competitor, Vinit smiled shyly: "I'll have to agree with you."