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'Banaras' was always simmering within me: Parashar (INTERVIEW)
By Subhash K. Jha, Indo-Asian News Service

Mumbai, April 10 (IANS) Director Pankuj Parashar denies his latest release "Banaras" is a comeback film.

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"It's all in people's mind," says the director of the 1980s hit films "Jalwa" and "Chaalbaaz".

"If you go through my CV there's 2,000 things that I've done besides 'Jalwa' and "Chaalbaaz'. It genuinely does not bother me, what I'm known for, or not known for.

"I am getting fabulous feedback for 'Banaras'. We recently screened the film for 75 foreigners including the Dalai Lama's personal physician. They came out with tears," Parashar told IANS.

"'Banaras' was always simmering within me. When I was at the FTII (Film and Television Institute of India), I made two films... one was a story-based fiction film, which was a comedy. It got me the gold medal. The other was a documentary on mental illness. I made it only when I was 21.

"Yes, I could have taken the serious route as a filmmaker then and there. But I was too sad a person... jobless, broke, misunderstood. I didn't want to make solemn films. 'Banaras' has happened when I'm ready for it. It had to happen when I was ready for it.

"Producer L.C. Singh walked into my life with a great budget and let me do what I wanted. I was given total freedom. We chose Javed Siddiqui to write the dialogues because we knew the atmosphere would be argumentative. We wanted that.
It took me a while to get here," said the director.

For "Banaras" he has teamed up with "Jalwa" hero Naseeruddin Shah once again.

Pankaj is frank about his friend.

"Naseer has become more sarcastic over the years. At times it borders on being hurtful. But I give it back to him. Because he is become a director now, Naseer is becoming defensive. He thinks we're all going to pounce on him. He has promised to hold one show for all his directors... But I think, I am his closest friend," Parashar said.

"When I called him to offer a role in 'Banaras', I said there's bad news and good news. Bad news is that I am making a film. Good news is that Naseer is playing god in 'Banaras'! I told him it was a 10-day role. He never asked about the money, never went through the script, just landed up in Banaras for the shooting."

Parashar's precursor for "Banaras" was a documentary that he made, called "Enlightened Man".

"What do you mean no one has seen that? 300,000 people saw it. We cannot base perceptions of success on one section of the audience alone. How can you say that a film, which gets appreciation in the multiplexes, is more important than one that's seen by thousands and thousands of people all over the world? 

"If you say my Tetra-pack ad with Tabu isn't important, I'll agree with you. But it keeps my kitchen fires going. I shot 14 ads with Tabu in three days."

So Parashar has worked with one of the best actresses today. "Or you could say she had worked with one of the best directors," Parashar shot back.

And now Urmila Matondkar is in "Banaras"!

"She was my first and only choice. Please don't slot her in a non-glamorous image for 'Banaras'. Urmila is very, very glamorous in 70 percent of 'Banaras'. And what is your definition of glamour? I think a woman without makeup in a white sari is extremely glamorous.

"But I chose Urmila for her acting. We had two or three others in mind. But we needed someone with a high emotional quotient. Urmila was perfect. One could never say from her initial films that she'd be where she is today. 

"Urmila never tried to over-intellectualise her performance. There were lots of depths and dimensions to her character. Another type of actress would have just questioned and questioned... After the first day we sent her a bouquet... she was that good.

"Urmila's response, 'Why are you sending me a bouquet now for my performance? You'll have to do it every evening.' I called the producer L.C. Singh and he wondered if she was an egoist. The next day Urmila explained, there were so many wonderful scenes in 'Banaras' and such a pleasure to enact them. In 'Banaras' she goes into unexplored area."

"Banaras" which stars Urmila, Ashmit Patel in the lead roles focuses on inter-caste relationship that still disturbs the society.

Recent experiences in filmmaking haven't been too pleasant for Parashar. 

"There were several reasons for that. I can tell you off the record why 'Tumko Na Bhool Paayenge' didn't work. To make a film - comedy or serious - you need like-minded people. I need room to flower as a creator. I am too sensitive and shy to go to a producer and say, this is what I want to make. Maybe I wasn't pursuing success as hard as I should have."
 
Parashar making another thriller for television
By Subhash K. Jha, Indo-Asian News Service

Mumbai, April 10 (IANS) "Banaras" director Pankuj Parashar, who gave television viewers the very popular "Karamchand" detective serial in the 1980s, is working on another thriller series -- for television.

"I am doing a series of 26 hour-long thrillers for Sony. We start shooting on April 18. I am producing and directing. These are mini movies. They'll be slick and fast moving with rock music," Parashar told IANS.

"My kids don't know what I did with 'Karamchand' on television. This series is for them. I am very impatient to start shooting. The TV series will have a mix of well-known TV stars and new faces."

"Naseeruddin Shah will be acting in one of the episodes. Dimple (Kapadia) will be in another... And I have got a group of 12 writers who have been at work on the project."

Parashar, who directed two very popular films "Chaalbaaz" and "Jalwa", will do a comedy feature film next.

"Yes, I am back to comedy after 'Chaalbaaz'. It will be a wacky funny new kind of comedy. Very nice script but it won't be female-centric like 'Chaalbaaz'. Sridevi has gone on record to say it's her favourite film. 

"I need to do comedy to unwind after 'Banaras'... Though 'Banaras' was a real joy to make. Every morning we'd be up for shooting at 5 a.m. At 6 a.m., we'd see Dimple coming down from her bath in the Ganges with sandalwood on her forehead. She did the film to be close to Ganga. She went to every temple in Varanasi. I hope her prayers have paid off."

Sammir lands plum role in Ghosh's next Hindi film
By Subhash K. Jha, Indo-Asian News Service

Mumbai, April 10 (IANS) Upcoming actor Sammir Dattani has landed a plum role in noted Bengali director Rituparno Ghosh's next Hindi film.

The director reportedly wants Samir to feature in his start-to-finish venture planned for this year.

Sammir is currently working on three plum assignments - Madhur Bhandarkar's "Corporate", Nisha Chainani's "Maratthon" and Mani Shankar's "Mukhbir", which are nearing completion.

Ghosh, who is busy with the pre-production plans of his next venture "Rahgeer", told IANS: "Long before Sammir was signed for his current films he had met me. I was deeply stuck by his quiet and gentle personality. There is a quality of noble vulnerability to him that I wanted to tap for a character that had been playing in my mind."

"Once I met Sammir the role concretised. And now I am convinced only he's the right person to play it."

All the details are yet to be worked out. "They aren't important. All I know is that Sammir Dattani will play the protagonist."

Refusing to divulge details Ghosh said it's the role of a boy-child who awakens to feelings of love within extremely trying circumstances.

This is the first time that the seasoned Bengali director, touted as the neo-Ray, will cast a virtual newcomer in the central author-backed role.

Sammir is reticent on the topic. He said: "I have been told not to talk about the film. But yes, I am honoured to be in a Riturpano Ghosh's film. When I saw 'Chokher Bali', I had secretly vowed I'd work with him some day. I didn't know it would happen so soon."

Sammir's first release this summer is Bhandarkar's "Corporate".

"There I have a brief but sharp role. Then there's 'Maratthon' where I play a physically challenged runner who participates in the Mumbai Marathon."

But the one that really has the young actor keyed up is 'Mukhbir', where he plays a spy.

"It's something that has never been done in our cinema... And now there's Ritu's film where I am required to go into a totally unexplored territory. I guess I am lucky."
 
Salman found guilty in chinkara poaching case
Indo-Asian News Service

Jodhpur, April 10 (IANS) A court here Monday found Salman Khan guilty in a 1998 chinkara poaching case - a development that could entail a jail sentence of one to six years for the Bollywood actor. 

The court of Jodhpur Chief Judicial Magistrate B.K. Jain, who heard defence counsel's argument March 28, had fixed the judgement date for April 10.

Salman, along with five others, was accused of killing an endangered chinkara, or Indian gazelle, on the night of Sep 28, 1998, in the Ghora farm near Jodhpur. The case was registered against them under Section 143, 144, 148 and 201 read with 149 of the Indian Penal Code, section 51 of the Wildlife Protection Act and Section 27 of the Indian Arms Act at Mathania police station Oct 11, 1998.

In the case, a list of 43 witnesses was given by the prosecution, which produced 38 of them and eventually eight witnesses turned hostile.

On April 7 Jain had rejected Salman's application for summoning witness Harish Dulani, the driver of the vehicle in which they allegedly went poaching and who had been absent from court appearances for many years.

Dulani was said to be the main witness in the poaching case, and reportedly retracted his earlier statement that he had seen Salman killing the animal.

The same court Feb 17 had sentenced Salman to jail for one year in another case relating to poaching of a blackbuck under section 51 of the Wildlife Protection Act.
 

Salman sentenced to five years in prison
(SECOND LEAD)
Indo-Asian News Service

Jaipur, April 10 (IANS) A court here Monday sentenced actor Salman Khan to five years' rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs.25,000 for killing a chinkara, a protected species of gazelle.

Salman was taken to Jodhpur central jail under judicial custody where he will spend at least two nights before he can file for a bail in the district and sessions court Wednesday because the courts are closed Tuesday due to Mahaveer Jayanti, public prosecutor Jeevan Ram told IANS.

The court of chief judicial magistrate (CJM) B.K. Jain found Salman guilty under Section 51 of the Wildlife Protection Act in a 1998 case.

Jain also convicted Goverdhan, a guard of the Godha farm where the crime is said to have been committed. However, four others were acquitted. 

The case relates to the poaching of a chinkara in Ghoda farm near Jodhpur on the night of Sep 28, 1998.

The case was registered against Salman and five others under Sections 143, 144, 148 and 201 read with 149 of the Indian Penal Code, Section 51 and 52 of the Wildlife Protection Act and Section 27 of the Indian Arms Act at Mathania Police Station Oct 11, 1998.

The chief judicial magistrate had heard the defence counsel's argument March 28.
On April 7, he rejected Salman's application for summoning a witness, Harish Dulani, who has missed court appearances for many years.

Dulani was said to be the main witness in the poaching case and reportedly retracted his earlier statement that he had seen the actor killing the animal.

Salman, who faces four poaching cases, was earlier sentenced to one year's imprisonment by the same court Feb 17 for killing a blackbuck.
 

Indian telly star teams up with DiCaprio
Indo-Asian News Service

Johannesburg, April 10 (IANS) Indian TV actor Gaurav Chopra has bagged a role in a Hollywood film, "The Blood Diamond", where he will share screen space with Leonardo DiCaprio, a report here said. 

Gaurav, who is currently in South Africa shooting for the crime thriller, plays a small role in the film but he is excited about the project because most of his scenes are with leads actors DiCaprio, Jennifer Connelly and Djimon Hounsou, the Daily News reported.

Gaurav said director Edward Zwick ("The Last Samurai", "I Am Sam" and "Traffic") was "happy to have him" but felt the former was perhaps a little too good-looking for the part. Hence the character, which was of a French journalist, had to be rewritten for an Indian.

"It is a huge production and, with everything planned right down to the minute detail, changing one thing has a domino effect. So I do appreciate the fact that they had rewritten the characterisation for me. 

"The actual work that happens on set is at such a high-end professional level. While everyone there is very experienced, it is a question of how suitable you are for the role," he added.

Gaurav, who started his career as a model, acted in serials like "Saara Aakash" and "Dil Kya Chahta Hai".

"The Blood Diamond" is a crime-thriller and revolves around a farmer, a smuggler and a syndicate of businessmen who match wits over the possession of a priceless diamond.

Gaurav has become popular in South Africa since he played the lead role in the Durban-based theatre and film director Junaid Ahmed's West End-styled Bollywood-themed musical "Bombay Crush".

"'Bombay Crush' has opened doors for me and I am going to use the exposure in the right way. Basically, I am saying I will be around for lots of other things, from television roles to event shows."
 

'Right here right now' - is top song
Indo-Asian News Service
 
New Delhi, April 10 (IANS) Vishal-Shekhar's catchy "Right here right now" song from "Bluffmaster" has taken over the no. 1 slot this week from A.R. Rahman's "Paathshala" ("Rang De Basanti"), which after ruling the charts for over a month is no more among the top 10 songs.

The top 10 Hindi songs are:

1. "Right here right now" - Film: "Bluffmaster"; Singers: Abhishek Bachchan and Sunidhi Chauhan; Music: Vishal-Shekhar. The rap song that returned last week is holding on to the top spot.

2. "Rang de basanti" - Film: "Rang De Basanti"; Singers: Daler Mehndi, Chitra; Music: A.R. Rahman. It has returned to the music charts after a long interval and Bhangra king Daler Mehndi is keeping his fans entertained with the energetic number. 

3. "Jhoom jhoom" - Film: "Tom Dick And Harry"; Singer: Himesh Reshammiya; Music: Himesh Reshammiya. Another feel-good song from Reshammiya that has become popular in a very short time and is quickly climbing up the charts.

4. "Tu hi meri shab hai" - Film: "Gangster - A Love Story"; Singer: K.K; Music: Pritam. The new romantic number from Anurag Basu's forthcoming action-drama that has hit the chart this week creates the right mood for young lovers.

5. "Jhalak dikhlaja" - Film: "Aksar"; Singer: Himesh Reshammiya; Music: Himesh Reshammiya. Reshammiya is going places with the song. 

6. "Meter down" - Film: "Taxi No.9211"; Singer: Adnan Sami; Music: Vishal-Shekhar. The magic of the hot and funky number featuring Nana Patekar and John Abraham is fading out. It has slipped down to number six position.

7. "Aashiq banaya aapne" - Film: "Aashiq Banaya Aapne"; Singers: Himesh Reshammiya, Shreya Ghoshal; Music: Himesh Reshammiya. Music director Reshammiya's first song as a singer, based on Sufi music, is back on the list. 

8. "Jiya dhadak dhadak jaye" - Film: "Kalyug"; Singer: Rahat Fateh Ali Khan; Music: Rohail Hyat and Faisal Rafi. This is one of the best romantic songs of the year and continues to be a favourite.

9. "Mundeya" - Film: "Shaadi Se Pehle"; Singer: Sunidhi Chauhan; Music: DJ Akbar Sami. A foot-tapping naughty number is good for time pass.

10 "Fanna" - Film: "Humko Deewana Kar Gaye"; Singers: Sonu Nigam, Tulsi Kumar; Music: Anu Malik. The song failed to enthral the music lovers and slid down to last position on the list.

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

Mahesh Bhatt says 'Gangster' not based on Abu Salem
Indo-Asian News Service

Mumbai, April 10 (IANS) Filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, served a legal notice by mobster Abu Salem for allegedly basing the film "Gangster" on his life, has said the movie has nothing to do with the criminal who was extradited from Portugal.

Bhatt laughed off Salem's notice, saying: "There is nothing to fear as the case will fall flat since the film is not based on Abu Salem."

All it had in common with Salem's life was "the likeness of the situation where an underworld man falls in love with a woman and puts his own life in danger for her", Bhatt said.

He was referring to Salem's girlfriend, starlet Monica Bedi, who was extradited along with him November last year. 

Salem, being held in a Mumbai jail, had sent Bhatt a legal notice last week, asking him to destroy all prints of "Gangster" that stars Emraan Hashmi, Shiny Ahuja and Kangna.

Some in the film industry even believe the new controversy over "Gangster" could drum up some publicity for the movie.

Salem had claimed in his legal notice that the film would affect his reputation and hamper the ongoing investigation against him in several cases. He also threatened he would take legal action against Bhatt if the film's prints were not destroyed.

"Gangster" is slated for release next week. 

Salman gets five years in jail (NIGHTLEAD)
Indo-Asian News Service

Jaipur, April 10 (IANS) Bollywood actor Salman Khan was Monday sentenced by a court here to rigorous imprisonment of five years and a fine of Rs.25,000 for killing a chinkara, a protected species of gazelle.

Salman was taken to Jodhpur central jail under judicial custody where he will spend at least two nights before he can file for a bail in the district and sessions court Wednesday because the courts are closed Tuesday due to Mahaveer Jayanti, public prosecutor Jeevan Ram told IANS.

The court of chief judicial magistrate (CJM) B.K. Jain found Salman guilty under Section 51 of the Wildlife Protection Act in a 1998 case.

Jain also convicted Goverdhan, a guard of the Godha farm where the crime is said to have been committed. However, four others were acquitted. The case relates to the poaching of a chinkara in Ghoda farm near Jodhpur on the night of Sep 28, 1998.

"Salman will be treated like a normal convict, he will have to sleep on the floor and we will provide him with a blanket. In food he would be given aloo pyaz sabzi (potato-onion vegetable) and rotis. For water he would be provided an earthen pot," said an official from the Jodhpur central jail.

Rajasthan's Forest and Environment Minister L.N. Dave said the decision would help in curbing poaching activities. 

"I feel that this decision would go a long way in curbing poaching activities," he said.

However, Salman's fans are not happy with the verdict.

"I am a Salman fan...he just cannot do anything like this. He has been wrongly implicated in the case," said Khushboo, an MBA student of a local college here.

The case was registered against Salman and five others under Sections 143, 144, 148 and 201 read with 149 of the Indian Penal Code, Section 51 and 52 of the Wildlife Protection Act and Section 27 of the Indian Arms Act at Mathania Police Station Oct 11, 1998.

The chief judicial magistrate had heard the defence counsel's argument March 28.
On April 7, he rejected Salman's application for summoning a witness, Harish Dulani, who has missed court appearances for many years.

Dulani was said to be the main witness in the poaching case and reportedly retracted his earlier statement that he had seen the actor killing the animal.

Salman, who faces four poaching cases, was earlier sentenced to one year's imprisonment by the same court Feb 17 for killing a blackbuck.

I'm hugely lacking in self-confidence: Akshaye Khanna (INTERVIEW)
By Subhash K. Jha, Indo-Asian News Service

Mumbai, April 11 (IANS) Akshaye Khanna, who is known to be choosy about his roles, surprisingly has five films under his belt and says he has never been so productive before.

"It's not a question of being choosy. It's about finding roles that excite me. I have always maintained that I'll do any project I like. It just so happens that I liked all the five scripts," Akshaye told IANS in an interview.

Despite being known as one of the most talented actors in Bollywood, Akshaye has a very different notion of himself. "Even today I am hugely lacking in self-confidence. There's a huge level of dissatisfaction and turmoil. I guess that's part of every actor's personality."

Excerpts:

Q: Knowing how choosy you are, why are you suddenly in five films?

A: It's not a question of being choosy. It's about finding roles that excite me. I have always maintained that I'll do any project I like. It just so happens that I liked all the five scripts. There's so much work happening in our film industry. Just how much of that work is worth doing depends entirely on the individual actor. 

I was offered stuff that I found terribly exciting. I want to work. It's the only thing that keeps me happy. Whatever films I did, I did happily. I have never been so productive before. 

Q: What are you doing with Mallika Sherawat in "Shaadi Se Pehle"? 

A: Why not? I think Mallika is much misunderstood. I am not saying her image is entirely misleading. There's never any fire without smoke. But just because she has done two-three films in the past of a particular kind, it doesn't follow that everything she does will be of the same quality. 

She is working with a different set of artistes like Satish Kaushik, Sanjay Chhel, Subhash Ghai-ji and me in "Shaadi Se Pehle". She wants to move away from her image. And this film is a good starting point. You may have an opinion about her. But she knows what she's doing on camera. 

Q: Let's not talk about Mallika. You have done comedy before... 

A: Yes, two. Priyadarshan's "Hungama" and "Hulchul". But I didn't do "Shaadi Se Pehle" because I needed to do another comedy. It's not about doing a particular kind of film. It's about doing what excites me. But I can safely say "Shaadi Se Pehle" is at least two or three times better than "Hulchul" and "Hungama" put together.

Q: In what way? 

A: In terms of the laughter it provides. It's much funnier and more entertaining. This is in no way a reflection on the director. It is just the script. Why only Satish Kaushik? Any competent director including Priyan (Priyadarshan) would do a good job of "Shaadi Se Pehle". I enjoyed working with the whole team. The actors have all been cast meticulously, keeping the characters in mind. 

If the casting is done well, a lot of the load is taken off the director. Some of the actors like Anupam Kher and Suniel Shetty I had worked with earlier. The two girls Mallika and Ayesha Takia were new for me. 

Q: You just shot with a whole ensemble cast for Dharmesh Darshan in London?

A: It was unbelievably cold. I think Dharmesh has reached a point in his career when he wants to move with the times, to make something that appeals to young audiences. Not that he has drastically altered his style. Just that the basic treatment is more contemporary than his last few films.

Q: How hard is it to go from Farhan Akhtar to Dharmesh Darshan?

A: I never had a problem adjusting to different schools of filmmaking. I have worked with an eclectic bunch of directors from Anees Bazmi to Farhan Akhtar to Abbas-Mustan to Nikhil Advani. 

Q: Nikhil's "Salaam-E-Ishq" looks very interesting from the outside?

A: It's even more interesting from the inside. It's something never been done before. It is one of the greatest screenplays that I have come across. The film will shock the pants off everybody. 

Every five years we get four-five films that push the envelope. "Salaam-E-Ishq" is one of them. I don't know about the other films this year. "Rang De Basanti" has already done that. But Nikhil's film is definitely a trendsetter.

Q: Whom are you paired with in "Salaam-E-Ishq"?

A: I am with Ayesha Takia again after "Shaade Se Pehle". She's a wonderful actress. One of those rare natural-born talents like Kajol, Rani (Mukerji) or Preity (Zinta). Look at the talent we have especially among the female actors... Shefali Shah, Kareena (Kapoor), Priyanka (Chopra)... They are looking so good and doing such work. Look at their calibre. Look at Rani in "Black"!

Q: Have you grown as a person and actor?

A: I hope so. I have become more relaxed and confident. Even today I am hugely lacking in self-confidence. There's a huge level of dissatisfaction and turmoil. I guess that's part of every actor's personality.

Q: You have worked with Abbas-Mustan before in "Humraaz". How was it in "36 Chinatown"? 

A: Fantastic! They are just so focused on their work. They know exactly what they want and what works. There are very few directors with the success record of Abbas-Mustan. Their film works because they don't touch anything they don't believe in.

Q: Finally, you are playing Mahatma Gandhi's eldest son Harilal in Feroz Khan's film.

A: Yes. But I am not supposed to talk about it at all. I don't question my producer Anil Kapoor. If he says I can't, I can't. 

Q: Why the secrecy?

A: It can't be treated like any Hindi film, immediately dubbing karo release karo... We have done a very complicated two-version film. The post-production work requires a substantial amount of time. 

All I can say is it's an once-in-a-lifetime experience for me. All my films are special. But a project like this comes to an actor once in his lifetime, if at all. I'm blessed it has come so early in my career. It's very close to my heart.

Q: Not so early in your career...

A: Eleven years... I couldn't be happier at this point of my career. I couldn't have asked for more. I love every moment of shooting. I couldn't have asked for more. And I must say that the press has always been fair to me.

Q: What else are you doing?

A: I don't have time for anything else.

Q: Do you have a love life?

A: Not at the moment! But I'd like to change that very soon. Marriage? I am not ready for that at all.

Q: You want to be a footloose actor all your life? 

A: That thought has crossed my mind.

Q: Your mother must be worried.

A: Not the least. My parents are too cool and liberal. I'm only 30. I started acting when I was 19. My only goal in life was to be an actor. That I am! I want to keep getting good work.

Sony banking on new 'Friday Factor' shows
By Subhash K. Jha, Indo-Asian News Service

Mumbai, April 11 (IANS) Sony Entertainment is hoping its two new reality TV shows "Fear Factor" and "Kandy Floss" on Fridays would prove decisive fortune-turners for the channel.

The two non-fiction programmes, launched on March 10, are aimed to provide "completely new entertainment" on Fridays.

"Fear Factor", already a huge success all over the world, puts celebrities and laypersons in unbelievably fearful situations. And Sony's head of on-air programming Anupama Mandloi is upbeat. 

"In 'Fear Factor' you get to see things that are frankly unimaginable. For instance, in our inaugural episode we had television actress Shweta Salve who's really scared of reptiles. She consented to get over this fear and gets into a glass case with reptiles. You just sit with your heart in your mouth as you watch them because you know you won't be able to do it yourself," Mandloi told IANS. 

"It's an adapted format. But we have gone Indian completely. There is a line-up of approximately 30 celebrities. And you see them in a completely new avatar, you see them stripping down their inhibitions to face their most secret fears," she added.

'The Friday Factor', as Sony calls it, is going to be big. 

"It's Friday viewing, so a lot of men and kids will watch. I think it will definitely be a clutter-breaking show on television," said Mandloi.

Adding to the fuel in the 'Friday Factor' would be CID, which is now an hour-long show from 10 p.m. every Friday. 

"This is followed by Ekta Kapoor's 'Kandy Floss'. The reason why we are telecasting it so late is because it's a behind-the-scenes peek at the television industry. Perhaps the content is not palatable to kids. 

"We are following the format of E-News and other international shows that come late night and give adult insights into showbiz. 'Kandy Floss' attempts the same. The fact that Ekta Kapoor has access to everyone in the television industry should help the show." 

Sony's 'Friday Factor' and "Kandy Floss" have the channel extremely hopeful. "The idea is to provide completely new entertainment on Friday. Right before 'Fear Factor' at 9 p.m. there's 'Deal Ya No Deal'." The channel is very pleased with its new host Mandira Bedi who replaced R. Madhavan. 

"She's brought a completely different personality and glamour to the show. It will add to the Friday flavour of different entertainment. We are very excited about re-launching our Fridays. We have come back with the slogan 'Shukra hai shukravaar hai' (Thankfully it's Friday)," said Mandloi.

TV star Rohit Roy who participated in "Fear Factor" was very excited about the show. 

"It was great shooting for 'Fear Factor'. What an amazing experience to work with such an organised crew. Everything to the last detail was worked out in advance. All of us who shot together were friends. So, it was like a party in Malaysia. The thrill was incredible. I want to go back at least one more time on the show," said Rohit. 
 

'Humko Deewana...' a clichéd love triangle
Indo-Asian News Service

New Delhi, April 11 (IANS) Love triangles have become Akshay Kumar's forte and in "Humko Deewana Kar Gaye" too, releasing Friday, he portrays a confused lover emotionally trapped between beauties Bipasha Basu and Katrina Kaif. 

Directed by Raj Kanwar, "Humko Deewana Kar Gaye" is the story of two people - Akshay and Katrina - and how destiny throws them together again and again until they fall in love.

Aditya (Akshay), who is an automobile engineer with a passion for cars, is engaged to Sonia (Bipasha), a fashion designer on the threshold of making her mark in the field. 

But both of them belong to different school of thoughts - for Sonia career comes first, while Aditya is a family man and believes in traditional values. 

Just before their wedding, Aditya has to leave for Canada to attend a training session about a new car to be launched in India, while Sonia heads to Paris for a fashion show.

In Canada, Aditya bumps into Jia (Katrina), who is shopping for her trousseau. Soon Aditya and Jia become very fond of each other and what happens next forms the movie's climax.

A Gulshan Kumar presentation, "Humko Deewana Kar Gaye" is produced by Bhushan Kumar, Kishan Kumar and Kanwar. 

It also stars Bhagyashree, Neena Kulkarni, Anju Mahendru, Dilnaz Paul, Uttara Bawkar, Ranjeet, Puneet Issar, Upasna Singh and Helen. 

Kanwar's "Humko Deewana Kar Gaye" smells of a hackneyed plot and has nothing new to offer to the audience looking for interesting recipes to whet their creative appetite. And its box office fate is more or less predictable.

It's high time Akshay started experimenting with a variety of roles to further boost his career.
 

Sonali bags best actress award for Italian film
By Arpana, Indo-Asian News Service

New Delhi, April 11 (IANS) Talented actress Sonali Kulkarni has won the best actress award for her performance in Italian film "Fuoco Di Su Me" ("Fire At My Heart") at the Milan Film Festival and is delighted at the honour.

"I was absolutely unaware and least expecting it. The award was a big surprise. Now I feel proud and happy for myself and our country too," Sonali told IANS on phone from Mumbai.

Sonali plays a coral picker in Sergio Scapagnini's "Fire At My Heart" and shared screen space with the legendary Omar Sharif, who won the best actor award for the film at the March 30-April 10 festival.

"I play Grazeilla, a girl who lives on an island. She is a coral picker and is very passionate and poetic. The director told me he was looking for someone who can look real, transparent, convincing and traditional," she said discussing her role.

"The story is based on a war background. And Italian actor Massimiliano Verresse plays a prince who is fighting a war against 'war' and by accident he comes to my island and falls madly in love with me."

Sonali had earlier worked with Scapagnini in a film called "Vrindaavan Film Studio" and the director promised to cast her in his next project.

"I took it casually. I took it as a compliment and forgot about it. But I was really surprised when he called me for a screen test for the film. When I went there (Italy) - I was not ready for it and kept suggesting to him - 'Why don't you take the No. 3 or No. 7 girl for the role!' After the audition when they told me I was selected... the news was so special..."

Sonali also learnt the language to make her portrayal of an Italian girl look real.

"I went through a very painful time. I was speaking a language which was completely alien to me - it was nowhere near to English or Hindi or Marathi... but I gave my 100 percent to it. And thanks to my director for giving me two tutors. They taught me a lot and thanks to my patience as well. It was an eight weeks training session and after the first week I started feeling comfortable with the language."

The film was premiered at the Venice Film Festival and Sonali walked the red carpet with Sharif.

The actress, who hasn't signed any international project after her Italian film, said: "After 'Fire At My Heart' they have honoured me as an international ambassador of coral." 

Very few know that Sonali loves writing short stories and poems, and these days she is writing a column for the Indian Express group's Marathi daily Loksatta.

"The column is called 'Sokool'. It's a short form of my name. I told them that my column should reflect my personality as young and vibrant and that's why I chose this name. 

"It has given me different dimensions to express myself. I write about things that touch me. And it has got a lot of attention."

Talking about her Bollywood films she said: "Right now I am riding high on 'Taxi No. 9211''s success. I was not expecting people to notice me. I am not underestimating myself but with Nana Patekar and John Abraham in the film, I didn't think anybody would bother to talk about me. But I am very happy that they did."

She has quite a few prestigious projects in her kitty including "Kaaran". 

"'Kaaran' is about a village girl who is sold and the emotional turmoil she goes through. The interesting part is that the director has yet to cast the male lead for the film."

"Kaaran" also has Deepti Naval and Seema Biswas in important roles. 

Sonali is also working on eminent painter M.F. Hussian's next project, an autobiographical film, and also a Marathi venture. 
 
Mandira quits 'Deal Ya No Deal 2'
Indo-Asian News Service

Mumbai, April 11 (IANS) Mandira Bedi has quit as host of the popular game show "Deal Ya No Deal 2" on Sony TV citing prior commitments.

"In series three of 'Deal Ya No Deal' some new elements are being introduced. This requires extra time for rehearsals and due to my prior commitments to cricket I would be unable to devote the required time to the show," said Mandira in a press release. 

Series three of the game show begins April 28 at 8 p.m. with a new look and new host. It will be telecast once a week on Fridays. 

Host of the first series actor R. Madhavan also left on grounds of time constraints.
 

Debojit to appear on Zee's soap 'Kasamh Se'
By Subhash K. Jha, Indo-Asian News Service

Mumbai, April 11 (IANS) Debojit Saha, who won the "Hero Honda Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Challenge 2005", makes his acting debut on Zee TV's daily soap "Kasamh Se".

The special episode will be aired Tuesday.

"It isn't really acting," Debojit told IANS. "Basically I am playing myself. I'm the 'Sa Re Ga Ma Challenge' winner Debojit and I'll be appearing for a party sequence where I'll sing that 'Dil Chahta Hai' ballad 'Tanhayee'," he added. 

He enjoyed shooting for the serial.

"It was fun, specially since all the cast and crew are so helpful. Everyone is nice and cool. I had recorded the track a night earlier. And lip-synced it for the shooting. Everyone including the soap's leading man Ram Kapoor liked it so much they all want a copy of my song on CD."

So, will Debojit be seen more often on such programmes? 

"I don't think so. I am doing this only because I get to be and do what I like to. Basically, I am still ignorant about what I should and shouldn't do. Thank god for my wife who understands the ways of the world much better than me. If it wasn't for her I wouldn't be anywhere in life."

Produced by Balaji Telefilms, the serial deals with the trials and tribulations of three sisters who have lost both their parents and are forced to take shelter in an industrialist's house who happens to be a friend of their mother. 
 
Salman's fans throng Jodhpur jail
Indo-Asian News Service

Jodhpur, April 11 (IANS) While fans of Salman Khan, who was sentenced to five years in prison for poaching an endangered deer near here, swarmed around the Jodhpur central jail, the Bollywood star was visited by siblings on Tuesday.

Over 100 of Salman's fans stood before the central jail to catch a glimpse of the actor who spent a night behind bars after a local court passed the sentence on Monday.

"I have been standing here since 7 a.m. I still feel he has been wrongly implicated in the case," a Salman fan was seen saying on a TV channel.

Another girl, 11, said she would fast until Salman is released from the jail.

Salman's brother Sohail and sister Alvira, along with their lawyer Deepesh Mehta, met the actor in jail Tuesday afternoon. They spent over 50 minutes with Salman.

Salman will have to spend at least one more night in prison before his lawyers can apply for bail as the courts were closed for two days on account of holidays.

"Salman is being treated like an ordinary prisoner and has been lodged in a simple cell like any other inmate. He is being provided with same facilities as any normal convict," a jail official said. 

"For dinner Salman was given roti, aloo tamatar ki subzi (potato-tomato vegetable) to eat, while in breakfast he was served gur-channa (jaggery-gram). In today's (Tuesday) lunch he was served dal (pulses), roti and rice," he said. 

For water he has been provided an earthen pot. He has also been allowed to get newspapers from outside, he added.

His personal security guard Shera and a local friend Shishupal Singh Rajpurohit were with him when he arrived at the jail on Monday afternoon.

Rajpurohit later took clothes, toothbrush, a shaving kit and Odomos (mosquito repellent) to the jail for Salman.
 
I don't want to be in Bollywood rat race: Brahmbhatt (INTERVIEW)
By Ashok Easwaran, Indo-Asian News Service

Chicago, April 12 (IANS) Music composer and singer Bali Brahmbhatt, who shot to fame with "Patel rap", says he does not wish to join the Bollywood rat race and instead looks forward to spending time with his family.

"I had no burning ambition to be a musician. I am a self-taught guitarist. As youngsters in Kenya, we played on the weekends to earn pocket money," Brahmbhatt told IANS in an interview here. 

"We played a fusion of African, English and Hindi music, not realising then that we were actually performing a remix," said Brahmbhatt, who was here to perform at a concert along with Kumar Sanu, a singer he has always idolised. 

After the success of his song "Patel rap", a recording with music director Bappi Lahiri followed and then a North American concert in 1992 with Bollywood stars Sunjay Dutt and Sridevi. 

He bonded quickly with Dutt. 

"On that concert, Sunjay Dutt would call me on stage to perform the hit song 'Lena hai, Lena hai'. The song was invariably the grand finale to the concerts and received thunderous applause.

"I did not realize then that 'Patel rap' had become very popular in the US," said Brahmbhatt, who grew up in Kenya. 

In 1995, he sang the song, "Amma dekh", which turned out to be another chartbuster. And then there was no looking back. 

But success has not imbued Brahmbhatt with the fierce competitive spirit necessary to keep up in the Bollywood numbers game. 

"I enjoy singing. I enjoy meeting Bollywood stars. But I sing because it gives me pleasure. I was never in the rat race. 

"A lot of these (music) deals, I do in 'yaari dosti'. It is not my profession. After a time, the travelling gets to you. I want eventually to enjoy my retirement with my family, put my feet up, and have a glass of cold beer."

Although Brahmbhatt has had training in basic Indian classical music, he maintains that he is just a rapper. 

"I am a fun loving guy who chanced it big in Bollywood. I am still surprised at my success. You are just one among the millions of people who live in India. Among them, to make one song a hit is a bloody tough job."

He said rap music had given him a niche in the fiercely competitive Bollywood music industry. 

"There are singers like Abhijeet, Vinod Rathod and Kumar Sanu, who got in with the voice of Kishore Kumar and eventually they got some songs in films. If I came in from London saying that I will do Kishore Kumar or I will do the voice of Rafi, they would have said, 'We have millions of singers like that'." 

On his music album with Asha Bhosle, Brahmbhatt said it was an "exhilarating experience". 

"The idea was to treat the music the same way as music director R.D. Burman would have done if he were alive today. I used modern music instruments and called it a remake, not a remix."

He recalled the legendary singer "an absolutely fantastic person to work with". "There were many contenders for this album. But Ashaji put her faith in me and I did not breach that faith."

He recalled another memorable experience of his with renowned playback singer Manna Dey at a 'fusion concert' in Goa. 

The concert began inauspiciously. Manna Dey, who was apparently unaware that he was to perform with a 'rap singer', was in a rage, Brahmbhatt said. "He was in his room at the hotel, when I did my riyaz, he heard me and remarked 'this boy is doing classical.'"

When he expressed surprise at a rap singer practicing classical music, I told him: "I have absorbed every sur of the many songs that you have sung. Later, he came on to the stage and blessed me in front of the audience."

Among the singers he admires are Mohammed Rafi, Lata Mangeshkar and Kishore Kumar. 

"You listen to Lata singing effortlessly. Suddenly she finds that one unexpected break in the song, where she can inhale. It is awe-inspiring. 

"Or take Kishore Kumar. I can visualize him singing, 'Usne bola kem che' because he did, 'Angrezi main kehte hain..."

Brahmbhatt attributed his success as a singer to his mother who urged him to never forget his roots. Although he grew up outside India, he said his mother ensured that he learnt to speak Gujarati. 

His parents also encouraged him to learn Sanskrit 'shlokas'. 

"You do not realise as a child the energy you are pulling in. It is amazing how later on in life it helps you effortlessly interact with people all over the world." 
 

Aadesh accuses Anu, Sameer of plagiarism
By Subhash K. Jha, Indo-Asian News Service

Mumbai, April 12 (IANS) This could be another abominable instance of plagiarism if the accusation is correct - Aadesh Shrivastav has accused director Raj Kanwar, composer Anu Malik and lyricist Sameer of ripping off his composition and using it illegally as the title song in "Humko Deewana Kar Gaye".

The film, starring Akshay Kumar, Katrina Kaif and Bipasha Basu, is releasing Friday.

"I couldn't sleep the whole night when I heard the song. My wife (Vijayta Pandit) requested me to calm down because my blood pressure shot up. But these are such shameless people," a livid Aadesh told IANS. 

"Raj Kanwar, Anu and Sameer haven't only outraged me by lifting my tune. They have also lifted the late and great Anand Bakshi's poetry wholesale! How could Sameer, who is so popular and so successful, do this to Bakshi saab? Isn't there a fear of god in these people?" asked the angry composer.

Aadesh claims the title song of "Humko Deewana Kar Gaye" credited to Anu Malik, was actually composed by Aadesh for Vashu Bhagnani's "Deewanapan". 

"You can check the records. It's registered on May 30, 2002, with the Film Writers' Association. I had composed it for Vashu-ji's film, which Ashu Trikha directed. 

"But Vashu-ji found it too dreamy and romantic. So I had kept it aside for a big banner. It's a 'pahaadi' tune. Anand Bakshi uncle wrote the words 'Tum nahin aate to achcha tha, aake nahin jaate to achcha tha'. Sameer is now trying to pass Bakshi uncle's words as his own. Where's his conscience?"

The angry composer claims he had played the tune to Kanwar during one of their music sessions.

But Kanwar has a different story to tell. 

"The only time I have been associated with Aadesh is when he did the background music for my film 'Baadal'. How can he talk like this? Why is he saying all these things? Can't creative minds think alike? 

"If he thinks his song and the one in my film are similar, it's just a coincidence. There are so many love stories being made. Does it mean all of them are copied for one another? The same applies to love songs." 

But Aadesh, who's currently being praised for his superb score in Kalpana Lajmi's "Chingari", is adamant. 

"They can say what they like. They have blatantly and brazenly lifted my song. And I intend to take legal action. I still remember how Anand Bakshi uncle had congratulated me after hearing the tune. He said, 'Beta, all songs based on the 'raag pahaadi' are hits. Yours will be a success.' 

"Now look what they have done. What they have done to me is bad enough. But what they have done to the dead poet Anand Bakshi is unforgivable."
 
Salman sure to be on world tour, says Ali Morani
By Subhash K. Jha, Indo-Asian News Service

Mumbai, April 12 (IANS) Salman Khan is supposed to leave for a world concert, Rock Stars, later this month and the organisers, Moranis of Cineyug, are confident that the actor who has been jailed in Jodhpur for poaching will accompany them.

The actor was sentenced to rigorous imprisonment of five years Monday by a Jodhpur court for killing a chinkara, a protected species of gazelle.

Asked how the current turn of events would affect the tours, Ali Morani told IANS: "The concert Rock Stars is very much on. Yes, we were worried because it's 17 cities all over the world. We spoke to Salman's lawyer Mr. (Dipesh) Mehta. We wanted to know whether we should postpone, cancel or just wait. He assured us that there's nothing to worry about. 

"They are moving the court to get a stay order. Then Salman can travel for the concerts. Even last time when Salman got one year's sentence, he could travel to Mauritius after the stay order. We are confident that he'll accompany us."

Something or the other seems to be going wrong with the Moranis' concerts...

"Well... yeah. John (Abraham), who will accompany Salman, had a minor foot injury. But no fractures - thank god. Just before our current concert Heat, Saif Ali Khan had an appendix operation. Because of his commitment to the show and to his fans, Saif is right now on the show. He isn't dancing but talking to his fans out there. The stars love the fans, and vice versa. 

"Whatever happens our stars remain committed and professional about these concerts. I am confident that Salman will accompany Shahid Kapur, Zayed Khan, Mallika Sherawat, Esha Deol, John Abraham and Kareena Kapoor when they leave later this month... Most of them - Mallika, Esha, Zayed and Shahid - are performing abroad for the first time."

The first Salman and company show is on April 21 in Calgary, Canada. From there the Rock Stars move to the US and Britain, concluding with a show in Amsterdam. 

"We return on May 29. All three of us brothers, Mohammed, Karim and I, will be going with them." 

Morani points at the Temptations concert two years ago with Shah Rukh Khan as a turning point for world concerts. 

"It performed in 35 cities. We gave the audience more than expected. This time for the Heat concerts we have given the audience more of everything... See, the whole of last year there were no star shows overseas. The NRI audiences are starved for star entertainment." 

Incidentally, the stars are all insured for their overseas performances. But what happens when they injure themselves at home just before the world tour?

"That happens sometimes. Two years ago, before the Breathless concerts with Hrithik Roshan, Fardeen Khan twisted his ankle and couldn't perform. But he came along, spoke to the audience and generally made his presence felt... 

"We work very hard to make these events memorable for audiences abroad. Our stars too go out of their way. We are sure Salman will be with us. He's got to be!"
 
Of ghosts and the power of Shani
Indo-Asian News Service

New Delhi, April 12 (IANS) Karan Razdan's last film "Souten - The Other Woman" was a box-office dud, and the director is already ready with his next, "Eight Shani", a spooky thriller about ghosts and the like that releases Friday.

The film is centred on Raj, a spiritualist, who lives with his family in Britain. He can see souls and spirits with his compass that informs him about ghostly activities. 

His elder brother Suraj thinks of him as a good for nothing guy, but Raj's 'bhabhi' Radha is sympathetic towards him.

One night, ghostly activities begin in the house. Though Raj tries to fight them, it leads to a lot of destruction infuriating Suraj. 

Suraj, who is completely ignorant about Raj's links with ghosts, refuses to endure such nonsense and throws him out of the house. 

His friend Sadhvi comes to his rescue and the two do some 'tantrik' pooja. The result appears on Sadhvi's back - a figure of 'eight' written in blood. Sadhvi interprets that whatever is happening in Raj's house is nothing but the wrath of Shani (Saturn). 

On the other hand, the ghost continues to attack Suraj's house and he is forced to take Raj's help. Raj suggests they should leave the house and move to a farmhouse in the countryside.

But it doesn't help because 'Shani' follows them there too. 

Why is Shani upset? What mysteries lie in the past of the family? The climax unfurls all the answers.

The film is the launch vehicle of Vastavikta, daughter of legendary Hindi film actor Raj Kumar, who plays the female lead in the film.

It also stars Meghna Naidu, Gulshan Grover, Raju Kher and Ashwini Chopra. 

Of late, Bollywood has produced quite a few spooky thrillers, including Karan Johar's "Kaal", Ram Gopal Varma's "Bhoot" and "Vaastu Shastra". 

Except "Bhoot", starring Urmila Matondkar and Ajay Devgan, most of them have flopped miserably.

Razdan, who badly needs a hit, is banking upon this film to bail him out.

 
Zee's future hinges on 'Business Baazigar', Johnny Lever
By Subhash K. Jha, Indo-Asian News Service

Mumbai, April 12 (IANS) Zee TV's big plans to consolidate their number two position rests on the recently launched "Business Baazigar" and a stand-up comedy show "Johnny Ai La Re" with Johnny Lever. 

There's a mood of challenge at Zee. If "Sa Re Ga Ma Pa" has thrown open the doors for Zee's TRPs, then the channel certainly doesn't want to rest on its laurels.

According to Ashish Kaul, senior vice-president, corporate brand development, at Zee, "After a very long time we have been given the opportunity to move ahead. Our first move was to bring back our USP 'Sa Re Ga Ma Pa' in a new avatar 'Ek Main Aur Ek Tu' this season."

The long-delayed "Business Baazigar", which was meant to go on air two years ago, launched on March 31 and is aired every Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. 

"But we weren't happy with what we had done. A lot of it had to be re-shot. We had to send 'Business Baazigar' back to the editing table. When Mr. Subhash Chandra's (chairman, Zee Telefilms) name is associated with the show, the scale and format have to match up to his vision. We also wanted a sufficient number of episodes in our bank before going on air."

"Business Baazigar" is a brainchild of Chandra and a reflection of his own vision of life and business. 

"How does a man with a dream go about becoming a business person in this country of acute red-tapism and other practical hurdles? That's the question 'Business Baazigar' will answer. But then India has produced an Anil Ambani or a Subhash Chandra against all odds."

Chandra puts forward a business proposition, which is screened and then the game begins. 

"A participant has to justify the funds that we are willing to provide. To judge a participant's potential he will be given certain tasks. If he implements them to the satisfaction of the three-member jury (including Chandra) the participant is on."

There's no ceiling on how much business funds "Business Baazigar" will provide to any participant. 

"What's more," added Kaul "It would be your business project, not the channel's. After every season of 13 episodes someone will be crowned Business Baazigar."

The show is hosted by VJ Cyrus Sahukar. 

"And we are backing up 'Zee Baazigar' with strong comedy because we haven't had one of those for a long time."

The sequel to Ekta Kapoor's "Hum Paanch" has belied expectations by proving a non-success. "We hope 'Johnny Ai La Re' will remedy the absence of a strong comedy show on Zee," said Kaul. 

"Johnny Lever will be seen on the small screen for the first time."

Kaul admits there will be similarities to Shekhar Suman's show. 

"That can't be helped. Johnny's show will have skits, music and Johnny himself performing. Johnny has cut down on film assignments. So his coming to TV is a double event."

The format and presentation of the new 'Sa Re Ga Ma' will be different. There will be separate prizes for the male and female participants. 

According to Kaul, their soap "Saat Phere - Saloni Ka Safar" has emerged more successful than many of the popular soaps on other channels. 

"It's ahead of the 'K' factor in many ways. Saloni is our dark horse. We knew 'Saath Phere - Saloni Ka Safar' will be our clutter-breaker. But to this level? One can never predict." 

Apart from "Hum Paanch 2", Ekta Kapoor's big new soap "Kkasam Se" on Zee is also not doing well. 

"We are baffled," said Kaul. 

"We virtually poured money into marketing 'Hum Paanch 2' and 'Kkasam Se'. I remember, I used to bunk college to watch 'Hum Paanch'. Like I said, a very strong comedy is needed. Hopefully, Johnny Lever will do the needful." 
 
Salman starrer 'Jaaneman' in trouble
By Manissha Despaande, Indo-Asian News Service

Mumbai, April 12 (IANS) Sajid Nadiadwala's Salman Khan starrer "Jaaneman" is in trouble after the actor was sentenced Monday to five years' rigorous imprisonment in Jodhpur on a charge of poaching a chinkara, a protected species of gazelle.

The film was in the final stages of production and was due for an August release, reports Bollywood Trade. 

Vivek Vaswani, group advisor of Nimbus Motion Pictures, who struck a pricey deal with Nadiadwala for distribution rights in Mumbai, said: "We have decided to wait and watch the situation for some time. One cannot rule out intermittent delays in the little work that needs to be completed besides the likely shift in the probable release timing." 

Nevertheless, Vaswani is determined to stand by the actor. 

"Salman is an old friend and I have known him since the 'Patthar Ke Phool' days. I am severely disturbed by the judgment. Instead of punishing him with a rigorous imprisonment of five years, it would have been befitting to fine him to the tune of Rs.10 million and set up a sanctuary for endangered species." 

-*-

Akbar Khan set to make 'Changez Khan' in English

After his disastrous "Taj Mahal: An Eternal Love Story", filmmaker Akbar Khan has decided to go ahead with yet another historical epic and is getting ready for "Genghis Khan" in English. 

"I have deliberately chosen to make it an English language film because I want to prove that English language films aren't merely the domain of Hollywood producers. Indian producers are equally capable of making quality English language productions with the same technical finesse and special effects," said Khan. 

Khan has already started research on the film and is planning to have an international cast for it, reports Bollywood Trade.

"I am hoping to rope in some prominent Hollywood names in it," he said, adding that the film will be shot in Mongolia, Uzbekistan and several other places in the world. 

Interestingly, Khan plans to portray the ruthless Mongol king as a great visionary. He said: "We only know him as a villain, whose quest for power made him an autocratic dictator. Few of us know that he was also a great visionary who built palaces, edifices and bridges." 
 
The film will go on floors sometime in December 2006.
 
Salman's bail hearing put off to Thursday
Indo-Asian News Service

Jodhpur, April 12 (IANS) Bollywood actor Salman Khan will have to spend at least one more night in jail after a Rajasthan court Wednesday fixed Thursday for hearing his bail application.

"Salman's counsel cited 38 reasons for an early hearing of the bail application, including his mother's sickness, before the court. The district and sessions judge, while agreeing to hear his bail plea, fixed the hearing for Thursday," a lawyer from Jodhpur said.

The actor will have to spend another 24 hours in the Jodhpur central jail where he already has spent two nights.

Khan's counsel had filed the application for bail Wednesday in the district and sessions court here after the chief judicial magistrate's court here Monday sentenced Khan to five years' rigorous imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs.25,000 on him for poaching a chinkara, a protected species of gazelle, at the Ghoda farm near Jodhpur on the night of Sep 28, 1998. The court had found Khan guilty under Section 51 of the Wildlife Protection Act.

The case was registered against Salman and five others under Sections 143, 144, 148 and 201 read with 149 of the Indian Penal Code, Section 51 and 52 of Wildlife Protection Act and Section 27 of Indian Arms Act at the Mathania Police Station on Oct 11, 1998. 

Salman, who faces four cases in Jodhpur, has earlier been sentenced to one year's imprisonment by the same court on Feb 17 for poaching of two chinkaras.
 

Bhandarkar's 'Corporate' is ready for release
Indo-Asian News Service

Mumbai, April 12 (IANS) After the critically acclaimed and National Award winning film "Page 3", Madhur Bhandarkar's take on the business world "Corporate" is complete and is to hit the screens July 7. 

"'Corporate' is a trilogy of three films, which started with 'Page 3' and will be complete with the release of my next film 'Traffic Signal'," said Bhandarkar at the completion bash of his film here.

"My film will give the audiences an insight into a world filled with power, money and success. It is a battlefield of power hungry people donned in suits and armed with degrees," he added. 

Sahara One Motion Pictures, which has produced "Page 3", teams up with Bhandarkar for this film.

Sandeep Bhargava, chief operating officer, Sahara One Motion Pictures, said: "'Corporate' is our endeavour to give the audience a film which is not only innovative in its subject but also a different movie experience.

"After being associated with films like 'Page 3', 'Hanuman', 'Malamaal Weekly', our focus is on making commercially successful cinema which is loved by the masses and we look forward to 'Corporate' in that regard." 

The key cast and crew members and the teams of Sahara One Motion Pictures and Percept Picture Company, dressed in business suits, gathered at Mayfair Rooms at Worli to celebrate the film's completion.

"Corporate" tackles the underbelly of the corporate world and exposes its darker side. It is a story of an ambitious young woman who unfortunately becomes a pawn amidst the power play between two rival corporate houses. 

This film takes a deep look at the mindset of powerful people and attempts to find out what makes them tick. It also explores the nexus between the corporate and the political world. 

The film stars Bipasha Basu, Kay Kay Menon, Rajat Kapoor, Raj Babbar, Harsh Chhaya, Minissha Lamba and Sameer Dattani.

The first look of the film was unveiled at the bash along with key marketing imagery that will make its way into the cinemas shortly. 

Shamir Tandon, who composed the music of "Page 3", scores the music for this film too. And the track is a heady mix of racy and soothing numbers sung by Asha Bhosale, Lata Mangeshkar, Kailash Kher, Alisha Chinai, Vasudhara Das and Gary Lawyer. 
 
Shabana film distributed online
By Subhash K. Jha, Indo-Asian News Service

Mumbai, April 12 (IANS) Ben Rekhi's "Waterborne", a futuristic thriller about a terrorist attack on the water supply of Los Angeles starring Shabana Azmi, is the first film to be released and distributed by Google online. 

Shabana Azmi, who plays one of the central roles in this film, is delighted about being part of this technological innovation.

"I haven't seen 'Waterborne'. But I know it's turned out well. If this experiment of putting a film on the Internet works, think what it would do to the morale of independent filmmakers. Please understand there's very little space for films to have just a theatrical release. 

"Young talented filmmakers like Ben Rekhi have to subvert the system and find some way of releasing their film. I am very eager to help young filmmakers who are trying to become visible."

"It's like the guerrilla theatre in the past. Now we can have guerrilla films. If huge studios won't allow small independent voices, the websites are the solution. 

"When music had been put on the Internet people had laughed. And look at what the Internet has done to music. Putting 'Waterborne' on the Internet can start a similar movement," she said.

Reshammiya is star judge on 'Ek Main...'
By Subhash K. Jha, Indo-Asian News Service

Mumbai, April 13 (IANS) Himesh Reshammiya, who whipped up such interest as a judge on "Hero Honda Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Challenge 2005", will be back this week in the music contest's new avatar "Ek Main Aur Ek Tu" as a star judge.

"I had a great time. To me being on 'Ek Main Aur Ek Tu' seemed no different from 'Sa Re Ga Ma Pa'. Some contestants were really good. I really enjoyed Twinkle-Biswas and Aishwarya-Ujjaini's performances," Reshammiya told IANS.

"To have them sing together in a compatible unit is not easy. I think the 'Sa Re Ga Ma' participants who had to sing solo had it much easier. 

"On 'Ek Main...' the two singers have to match each other's scales and styles. That means they have to lose some of their singing identity to accommodate their partner. That isn't easy," explained Reshammiya.

Gajendra Singh, the excited show-director, said: "It was like a homecoming for him." 

"Himesh is as charged and revved-up on 'Ek Main Aur Ek Tu' this week as he used to be on 'Sa Re Ga Ma Pa'. He encouraged the contestants by praising them profusely rather than being unnecessarily stingy with compliments."

It should be mentioned here that last week's star-judge Alka Yagnik seemed to be unnecessarily harsh in her judgement on all the female contestants on "Ek Main..." 

"Himesh was a riot. He was so charged, he enthused the participants," said Singh.

Himesh even sings his "Aap Ka Suroor" tracks with these singing couples. 

One singing pair, Raktima and Vishwanath, gets eliminated this week. "Due to Vishwanath's misconduct last week they lost out on a lot of votes. Our audiences aren't into vulgar antics," said Singh. 

Usha Uthup boosts Karunya's morale
By Subhash K. Jha, Indo-Asian News Service

Mumbai, April 13 (IANS) "Indian Idol 2" finalist N.C. Karunya is on a new high after his meeting with pop singer Usha Uthup in Kolkata.

On Tuesday he landed in Kolkata for a free-for-all concert and headed straight to meet the ageless crooner.

Recalling the meeting, Karunya told IANS: "I was very excited about meeting Usha Uthup for several reasons. She is such a talented singer. She sings in south Indian languages and also Hindi very fluently. And let's not forget, she's a south Indian like me."

Usha welcomed Karunya warmly.

"People of Kolkata are very patient and enjoy music like no one else, all good artists enjoy performing in Kolkata... so enjoy performing here... and give your best performance to the people of this city!" she said.

Usha gifted Karunya a stole with Bengali words printed on it and told him to keep it always as it was a very lucky.

She asked him not to worry if he didn't win the title and to always remember that she, too, had never won a prize in her entire life but had never given up hopes and had put in all her efforts and made a name for herself.

Karunya sang songs for Usha in Rajasthani, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Bengali, Marathi and Kannada. "This is the hallmark of a true singer," said Usha.

Usha taught Karunya a Bengali song, which he decided to sing at the concert in Kolkata. The song was..."Kolkata kolkata don't worry kolkata".

Karunya has no reason to worry.

J.P. Dutta's daughter turns filmmaker
By Subhash K. Jha, Indo-Asian News Service

Mumbai, April 13 (IANS) Nidhi Dutta is all of 17. But she got to instruct Shabana Azmi, Aishwarya Rai, Abhishek Bachchan, Suniel Shetty, Divya Dutta and other hotshots on the sets of the magical costume drama "Umrao Jaan".

It isn't just because she's movie mogul J.P. Dutta's daughter. Nidhi means business as she assists her father with the direction.

The elder of JP's two daughters, she has nursed a secret dream from her childhood to be part of her father's creative dream.

"Earlier she wanted to be an actress, like her mom," Bindiya Dutta, Nidhi's proud mother, told IANS.

"But JP would have none of that. In any case that was just a passing thing during childhood. Now when Nidhi's mind is made up she's far surer of what she wants, and how to get it.

"When she told her dad about wanting to assist him he was at first disbelieving. But when he saw our baby was adamant, he immediately asked her to hop on board for 'Umrao Jaan'."

The proud father, tense with the task of completing his magnum opus on time, beams at the mention of his daughter.

"I am putty in my daughters' hands. They are the only women in the world who can make me do anything they want. Nidhi's wish was my command. Now when I see her pottering around the sets with technical equipment, I feel so proud."

Nidhi behaved like a thorough professional on the sets.

"She has forbidden anyone from treating her like the director's daughter. She's just one of the crew on the 'Umrao' sets. She wants to start from scratch. For us to see our pampered child being so professional, that means a lot," said Bindiya.

Divya, who is also in the film, said: "Nidhi is obviously a chip off the old block. She's right there on the sets, fully alert and raring to go. She'll make a very fine director one day."

Other star-kids who assisted filmmakers are:

1. Meghna Gulzar - Gulzar and Raakhee's daughter assisted Saeed Mirza before turning filmmaker with "Filhaal".

2. Ranbir Kapoor - Rishi and Neetu Kapoor's son assisted Sanjay Leela Bhansali on the sets of "Black".

3. Hrithik Roshan - assisted dad Rakesh on "Koyla".

4. Abhishek Bachchan - worked as assistant during AB Corp's "Major Saab".

Akshay plays love guru on chat show
Indo-Asian News Service

Mumbai, April 13 (IANS) Akshay Kumar, who is gearing up for the release of "Humko Deewana Kar Gaye", will have some advice for the lovelorn on ETC channel's TV chat show "Star Giraftaar".

Akshay takes the hot seat with host Suresh Menon. The show will be aired at 8 p.m., April 19, and the repeat telecast will be at 1.30 p.m. April 20. In the interview, he shares his views on how love happens.

"This is also the story of my film 'Humko Deewana Kar Gaye'. It is borrowed from a real love story of a Canadian couple where the guy is the perfect husband. They are the perfect couple but love happens to the husband and he leaves his perfect life to go after his love," said Akshay.

Commenting on "wife beating" on the show, Akshay said: "Wife beating (the husband) is a very good concept! It is essential. A man must be beaten because it will keep him conditioned. He will be better prepared for the world." 

While giving love tips, Akshay said: "It's a lost case if one has only Rs.500 to woo his girlfriend. But then there are ideas that can save him." 

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Raj Tara debuts in 'Eight Shani'

Karan Razdan's spooky thriller "Eight Shani" is the debut vehicle of Raj Tara, son-in-law of music director Jaikishan.

"I wanted to become an actor since school but pursued a business degree from London University and after being an exporter for eight years I am more than happy to quit everything for my acting passion," he said. 

He thanks his fashion designer wife Bhairavi Jaikishan, daughter of musician Jaikishan Panchal - of music director duo Shankar-Jaikishan, for supporting his decision to enter films. 

Before venturing into films, Raj worked in a few TV commercials like Citibank, FUS Inega and a couple of shirt brands. 

"Eight Shani" is also the launch pad of actor Raj Kumar's daughter Vastavikta. 

Raj says Razdan's film is the best debut vehicle for him. 

Mallika to do a Goldie Hawn
Sameer Wadekar 

Mumbai, April 13 (IANS) Oomph girl Mallika Sherawat is gearing up to play a female cadet in a Hindi film based on the Goldie Hawn comedy, "Private Benjamin".

The buzz is that producer Ravi Walia is planning the film titled "Fauj Mein Mauj" with Mallika playing Hawn. 

"Fauj Mein Mauj" will be structured to suit the Indian audience and Murli Nagavalli, who was an assistant to Priyadarshan, will direct it. They are yet to find the male lead, reports Bollywood Trade. 

She is also working in Mani Ratnam's "Guru" which has Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai in the main roles. 

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Will '36 China...' be Shahid-Kareena's lucky mascot?

Shahid Kapur and Kareena Kapoor, one of the hottest couples in tinsel town, are hoping Subhash Ghai's "36 China Town" will finally weave magic for them as an on-screen pair.

Abbas-Mustan have directed the film and the couple sound upbeat about it, reports Bollywood Trade.

At the music launch of the film, Kareena said: "Abbas-Mustan are special to me and Mukta Arts is just like family. I am glad to be associated with them and I feel elated about all my co-stars in the film." 

"I am just a couple of years old in the industry and have had the privilege of working with the top names in the business. I thank Subhash-ji and my directors Abbas-Mustan for having given me this opportunity," said Shahid.


Shahid and Kareena will also be seen in Boney Kapoor's next, "Milenge Milenge", and Priyadarshan's "Chup Chupke". But right now all their hopes are pinned on "36 China Town". 

They came together for the first time in Ken Ghosh's flop show "Fida"

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Upen Patel signed seven films

Upen Patel, the new sensation on the block, has signed seven films. Since then he has been getting countless calls from the industry congratulating him for the lucky seven he has signed on, Bollywood Trade reported. 

But Upen as humble as ever says: "I owe a lot to Subhash-ji (Ghai) and Abbas-Mustan. My loyalties will always lie with Subhash-ji. They have been extremely supportive and guided me. No matter what I achieve I'll always be thankful to Subhash-ji. I'll always be a phone call away at any point of time in my career." 

"Ashiqui", the promo song of his debut film "36 China Town", is already on air and he is touted to be the next John Abraham, making a transition from a super model to films. 

Priests called to ward off evil spirits from prison
Indo-Asian News Service

Ranchi, April 13 (IANS) Priests from all religions have been called to conduct prayers at a new jail building in the Jharkhand capital to ward off "evil spirits". 

At the new building of the Birsa Munda Central Jail, which is to open on Sunday, authorities have called priests of all religions to perform rites. The building is opening at Hotwar, about 15 km from the existing one in the heart of the city, to accommodate more prisoners. 

On Wednesday, the priest of a local church offered special prayers and recited from the Bible. Muslim clerics also performed rituals and recited from the Koran besides burying some charms in various corners of the building. 

Hindu priests have been called Thursday to perform religious rituals, including a havan. On Friday, Sikh religious priests and tribal priests would perform rituals. 

"The rituals are being been performed so that no problem crops up in the new building. We adopted the secular way to ward off the evil spirits and hence priests of all religions were called," a jail official told IANS. 

"The jail is a place for many criminals. A sanitised environment can only make the living good and emanate positive energy for the inmates," he said. 

Nepalis a poor second to Britney's baby in official media
By Sudeshna Sarkar, Indo-Asian News Service

Kathmandu, April 13 (IANS) Pop princess Britney Spears and her infant son apparently matter more to King Gyanendra's government in Nepal than the fates of hundreds of Nepalis caught in a quandary with the US government stopping issuing visas in the kingdom.

On Wednesday, the US Embassy here announced that due to the "ongoing violence, curfews and widespread insecurity" in Nepal, it was reducing its activities. These included closing the American Center library and the consular section, putting on hold till further notice the processing of visa applications.

Alarmed at the escalating conflict in the capital since Saturday, when the government imposed day-time curfew in Kathmandu Valley to put down opposition protests, Washington also decided at the last moment to cancel the Nepal trip of an important Congressional delegation.

Headed by House of Representatives Speaker Dennis Hastert, the eight-member team was earlier scheduled to visit Nepal from Wednesday to Friday at the conclusion of their trip to India.

While the cancellation and the scaling back of activities at the embassy made front-page news for the independent media and important news for the international media as well, Nepal's official media, under tight control of the palace and royalist officials, ignored them.

The news went unreported in the state-run television, radio and finally, on Thursday, in the official print media as well.

While Nepali students applying to American colleges, job seekers and Green card aspirants began running from pillar to post wondering what to do, the official daily, the Rising Nepal, chose to highlight pop princess Britney Spears' predicament instead.

"Britney Spears' son falls from high chair", said a long story on the news page of the daily while another report on Child Welfare officials visiting the Spears' home made its way to the entertainment page.

"How are the events at the Spears home relevant for us?" fumed Narendra Shrestha, a local businessman whose shop has remained closed since April 6, due to an indefinite strike called by the opposition parties and a four-day curfew imposed by the government.

"I want to know when I can safely open my shop, when the government will lift curfew and when my mobile phone will work again," he said.

Though the government lifted day-time curfew in Kathmandu Valley Wednesday, three major towns still remain curfew-bound and the valley under night curfew.

Mobile telephone services were also suspended from April 8, a regular occurrence during the 14-month absolute rule by the king, with the government keeping mum on when they would be resumed.

While violence erupted in Nepal last week, resulting in at least six being killed, dozens injured and hundreds arrested, the king chose to ignore the events to attend a controversial ceremony held in Birgunj in southern Nepal, where Hindu royalists threw their weight behind him and urged him to be strong.