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Sonu speaks out in Lata's defence on flyover issue

By Subhash K. Jha, Indo-Asian News Service

Mumbai, March 31 (IANS) Playback singer Sonu Nigam is upset by the flak Lata Mangeshkar has got for her opposition to a flyover in central Mumbai's Peddar Road where she lives.

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"People's comments on Lata-ji's stand on the flyover issue have left me intensely hurt and shamed on her behalf. Have they forgotten who Lata-ji is? She isn't the only one raising her voice about the proposed flyover.

"But because she's a huge celebrity with an enormously dignified image, and also because she's a frail old woman, people feel she won't retaliate so let's make her a target," an infuriated Sonu told IANS.

The Maharashtra government's decision to build a flyover on Peddar Road has raised a storm of controversy with Lata Mangeshkar, one of the most prominent residents of the area, vehemently opposing the move.

According to the grapevine, the melody queen has sent a letter to PWD Minister Anil Deshmukh threatening to leave Mumbai if the government goes ahead with its plans.

Though some have said she is overreacting, Sonu is firm in his belief that she is doing the right thing.

He added: "Lata-ji is a citizen of Mumbai. She has every right to raise her voice against what she thinks is a wrong civic move. Why are they calling Lata-ji selfish? 

"Instead of cornering Lata-ji why don't people write letters to the government asking for a permanent solution to the congestion problem?"

"To abuse a celebrity is the biggest past time of this country. She speaks on behalf of the entire locality. I am strongly against this humiliation she is being subjected to. She is too big to be humbled like this. We can't allow people to insult her in this way."
 
Akshay Kumar injures leg, says its 'nothing'

By Subhash K. Jha, Indo-Asian News Service

Mumbai, March 31 (IANS) Everyone is talking about the injury Akshay Kumar suffered earlier this week while shooting a cola ad.

When asked what happened, Akshay brushed it off with a nonchalant "Nothing!"

"While shooting on a mo'bike my leg touched the silencer. That's it. Unfortunately for me, I was wearing shorts. Maybe if I had been in my trousers nothing would have happened," Akshay told IANS.

"I can't remember when I have had a serious injury... Except the slipped disc, which happened many years ago while I was doing a stunt for 'Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi'. Since then there has been nothing serious, just minor stuff here and there. In fact, I am waiting for something to happen." 

Of course, Akshay is only joking. He has made a promise to himself after his son Aarav's birth - no more of the dangerous stuff. 

In fact, the heart-in-the-mouth derring-do has ceased completely. "I remember this stunt I had done for Mahesh Bhatt's 'Angaaray' where I had slid from one skyscraper to another on a steel rope. I'd never do that again."

At the moment Akshay is looking forward to the release of Raj Kanwar's "Hum Ko Deewana Kar Gaye" in May and two new projects - Rituparno Ghosh's "Rahgeer" and Sajid Khan's (choreographer-turned-director Farah Khan's brother) directorial debut to be produced by Sajid Nadiadwala. 

"None of these are comedies. I have never worked with Rituparno Ghosh or with PNC (Pritish Nandy Communications) before. It sounded right when Rituparno narrated the subject of 'Rahgeer'. I haven't done anything like 'Rahgeer' before... 

Talking about his association with the Sajids, Akshay said: "Both the Sajids are my friends. I have done two other films - 'Mujhse Shaadi Karogi' and 'Jaaneman' - with Sajid Nadiadwala. He's a terrific producer. I am looking forward to working with him. 

"As for Sajid Khan, he's full of joy and mischief. But there's a sensitive side that people will see in his film."

Akshay is currently shooting for a new comedy "Bhaagam Bhaag" with his favourite director Priyadarshan and with Govinda for the first time.

How's the experience of working with Govinda? 

"Fine, just fine. I don't have a problem with anybody," said the new extra-cautious Akshay.

"I'd rather just do my work and talk only when necessary. Even if I've to speak about a film, I first let others have their say and then have my say."
 

Kerala director to meet Paris Hilton for film role

By Sanu George, Indo-Asian News Service

Thiruvananthapuram, March 31 (IANS) Malayalam film director T. Rajeevnath is to meet hotel heiress Paris Hilton in the US in April to discuss if she can play the title role of his film on Nobel laureate Mother Teresa. 

Rajeevnath said his agents had established contact with Hilton's agents and now only the time and venue had to be decided. 

"Following media reports that I have shortlisted her to play the title role, she has expressed delight. This will make our meeting easier," Rajeevnath told IANS here. 

The award-winning director is going to the US armed with a few morphed photographs of Hilton as Mother Teresa.

"The photographs have come out extremely well. These will be my strength when I speak to her," said the director of hits like "Moksham", "Janani" and "Thannal". 

Rajeevnath, 54, is going to the US to shoot a documentary on the Indian diaspora there. He is expected to be there till the end of April. 

Since news surfaced about the proposed film on Mother Teresa, the agents of several international production houses have approached the director expressing a desire to be associated with it.

The film in English will be shot mostly in West Bengal and in several foreign countries. The preliminary script has been readied.

For Rajeevnath, who has won a national award for direction, "Mother Teresa" will be his 11th commercial film.

The budget is expected to be in the range of Rs.500 million ($11.3 million) to Rs.600 million.

Among film personalities who have already promised to cooperate with him in the project include Mithun Chakraborty, Kamal Haasan and Mohanlal. 

Veteran cameraman Santosh Sivan has been roped in and the Ramoji Rao Film City, headed by media baron Ramoji Rao, is to be associated with it.

Elaborating, Rajeevnath said the opening shot would be taken in the backdrop of the riots that broke out in Calcutta (now Kolkata) in the early 1950s. 

"The first shot is when Sister Agnes (as Mother Teresa was initially known) drives out of the Loretta Convent seeking food for the convent inmates. Captain Ramesh (played by Mohanlal) stops her vehicle and warns she would be arrested if she proceeds any further," said Rajeevnath. 

"Kamal Haasan plays the role of a priest and Mithun Chakraborty is likely to play (former West Bengal chief minister) Jyoti Basu," he said. 

The shooting is slated to begin in early 2007.
 
'Mughal-e-Azam' in Pakistan from June 2

From Indo-Asian News Service

Islamabad, March 31 (IANS) The historical epic film "Mughal-e-Azam" will finally hit Pakistan's cinemas June 2 with the much-awaited release being seen as a catalyst in India-Pakistan relations.

The official announcement was made at a press conference in Karachi that had an ornate Mughal Darbar theme befitting the occasion.

The official stamp came with the presence of Ziauddin Khattak, chairperson of the Central Board of Film Censors, who said: " 'Mughal-e-Azam' is a reflection of the common heritage our two nations have. The movie is a timeless classic and now that it has been digitally preserved, re-mastered and coloured, is sure to be enjoyed by viewers... and is a glorious tribute to the Muslim rule in the sub-continent."

Nadeem Mandviwalla, head of Mandviwalla Entertainment, the official distributors of the film in Pakistan, said: "The showing of 'Mughal-e-Azam' in Pakistan, is historically, no less significant than the film itself.

"It is an opportunity for, and is the best catalyst, for the revival of cinema in Pakistan, at the same time cementing relationships between India and Pakistan."

"Mughal-e-Azam" is K. Asif's rendition of the tragic love story of Prince Salim and a humble courtesan, Anarkali, with Akbar as a father and emperor who, bound by his principles as a ruler, is opposed to the union. 

The film, featuring Dilip Kumar as Prince Salim, Madhubala as the beautiful courtesan and Prithviraj Kapoor as Akbar, was nine years in the making and broke all box office records at the time of its release.

The film's resurrection in colour is a triumph of Indian IT.

Deepesh Salgia of Sterling Investment Corp. India, project director for the restoration of "Mughal-e-Azam", explained some of the technical details involved in digitising and re-mastering the film. 

He said the team opted for a specialised software developed in India to enhance the 300,000 frames of movie time, over commercially available, off-the-shelf software such as Adobe. The research for the project took almost a year-and-a-half while the process of restoration spanned 13 months.

Also present was Saad Shiraz, son of Shiraz Ali Hakim, the original director of the film till 1944 when Asif took over, and Naeem Tahir, son-in-law of Imtiaz Ali Taj whose theatrical rendition of "Anarkali" was the inspiration for Asif.

Khattak said any profits from the movie would be donated to charitable causes in Pakistan. A short clip on the worldwide launch of "Mughal-e-Azam" was shown introducing K. Asif.

The environment created at the conference was that of a palace court during the Mughal period complete with Mughal era crockery and mirrors.

The press conference saw a re-enactment of the Mughal Emperor Akbar and his wife entering the Mughal court followed by an actor announcing the guests of honour as they took their seats.

  
Udita turns a brand ambassador 

From Indo-Asian News Service

New Delhi, March 31 (IANS) Sultry Bollywood actress Udita Goswami has turned a brand ambassador with Donear Ply and is currently busy with the photo sessions.

"I really believed in this product and it feels good to get associated with the brand. I will surely go ahead with some more projects like this," Udita said about her new role in a statement. 

The model-turned-actress started her career with a number of commercials followed by movies like "Paap", "Zeher" and "Aksar".

Jitendra Kejriwal, owner of the Delhi-based plywood company, said he wanted to cater to the young generation and that was the reason why he approached Udita.
 
Papa Hrithik has never been happier
By Subhash K. Jha, Indo-Asian News Service

Mumbai, April 1 (IANS) Bollywood heartthrob Hrithik Roshan, who is blessed with a boy, was hoping for a daughter but says he is more than happy with a son.

"But now I am equally happy with a son. I guess fatherhood is fun," Hrithik told IANS.

"I can proudly say I have at last created something that's absolutely perfect," the perfectionist in Hrithik has never felt more pleased. 

His son, who was born Tuesday, has been named Rayhaan. "We were toying with another spelling for the name. But we all decided that this was the best spelling for the little one. His friends in school can call him Ray, if they want," papa already has plans for junior.

He returned from Rio de Janeiro in Brazil from the shooting of "Dhoom 2" just four days before the birth of his son. 

"Just in time! Four days before Suzanne had our baby. And though we shot a really cool song in that exotic location in Rio, my heart was completely back home. 

"I can't tell you how it felt to be there in Rio knowing it (parenthood) can happen any time. It was like being all packed and ready for a holiday to paradise. But this was one journey - fatherhood - from which I was not going to come back. 

"So I was torn between these two extreme emotions of extreme joy and utter apprehension...I tell you," said Hrithik. 

"The journey into fatherhood is the biggest bliss a man can experience. I started feeling the change within me nine months ago. And now I feel that journey has finally culminated. I have never felt happier. This is the most perfect experience of my life."

And whom does Rayhaan look like? 

"Well, right now it's hard to say. But everyone thinks he looks like his mom. And Suzanne is far better looking than me. So I guess he's going to be one helluva looker."

Hrithik is currently on paternity leave. 

"Apart from some post-production work for 'Krissh' and that stint in Rio for 'Dhoom 2', I have been pretty much with Suzanne waiting for the baby's arrival. Now that it has happened, I feel a strange sense of peace within myself. It's as if there's suddenly more of Suzanne to love. 

"The baby is an extension of her, and I just feel as though my world has become more spacious, happier."
 

'Paathshala' continues to race ahead of competition
Indo-Asian News Service

New Delhi, April 1 (IANS) "Paathshala", A.R. Rahman's hit song from "Rang De Basanti", has been occupying the top spot for more than a month now and continues to do so this week. Though several tracks have entered the top 10 list, none have been able to dislodge it from its perch.

The top 10 Hindi songs are:

1. "Paathshala" - Film: "Rang De Basanti"; Singers: Naresh Iyer, Mohammed Aslam; Music: A.R. Rahman. The song's popularity is soaring and it's perched on number one position this week too.

2. "Meter down" - Film: "Taxi No.9211"; Singer: Adnan Sami; Music: Vishal-Shekhar. The film is the second big grosser after "Rang De Basanti" and its songs are popular too, especially this hot and funky number featuring Nana Patekar and John Abraham.

3. "Right here right now" - Film: "Bluffmaster"; Singers: Abhishek Bachchan and Sunidhi Chauhan; Music: Vishal-Shekhar. The rap song is back in the reckoning after a fortnight. 

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. "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.

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

7 "Humko deewana kar gaye" - Film: "Humko Deewana Kar Gaye"; Singers: Sonu Nigam, Tulsi Kumar; Music: Anu Malik. A typical Akshay Kumar song designed for his die-hard fans.

8 "Punjabi aankhon wali" - Film: Saawan - The Love Season"; Singers: Shaan and Sunidhi Chauhan; Music: Aadesh Srivastav. After a long time a bhangra rock number enters the list. It surely has struck the right chord with Salman Khan's fans.

9. "Halla re" - Film: "Neal 'N' Nikki"; Singers: Shweta Pandit, Salim Merchant and Irshad Kamil; Music: Salim-Sulaiman. The film flopped but the song has found a firm foothold on the music chart.

10. "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.

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

Madhavan denies that he ditched Ratnam
By Subhash K. Jha, Indo-Asian News Service

Mumbai, April 1 (IANS) Actor R. Madhavan is appalled at reports alleging he has refused to work in Mani Ratnam's new film "Guru" and has left his mentor in a lurch. 

"Am I mad to say no to Mani sir? He made my career in Hindi films. I'd happily accept any role he offers me," Madhavan told IANS while explaining the truth.

With two Hindi films "Dil Se" and "Yuva" behind him, Tamil maverick Ratnam is in an acute casting crisis for his third Hindi film "Guru". 

He has cast Abhishek Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai and Vidya Balan for the film. But the second hero seems to be eluding Ratnam big time. 

Casting has always been a major problem in Ratnam's Hindi cinema. For "Dil Se", the director badly wanted Kajol and then Rani Mukerji but he had to settle for Manisha Koirala.

"Yuva", too, went through several casting shuffles. Bobby Deol declined the lead on monetary issues and finally Ajay Devgan played the part.

It's unclear how Ratnam intends to deal with the current casting crisis. After John Abraham said no (and apparently didn't even meet the director), reports in Chennai suggested Ratnam's favourite actor Madhavan was all set to rescue his mentor from this casting crisis. 

But Madhavan shoots down the suggestion. 

"First of all, Mani sir hasn't approached me for this film. So where's the question of my asking him for a narration. Secondly, I have done career-making roles with him in "Alai Payuthe", "Kannathil Muttamittal" and the Tamil version of "Yuva" where I played Abhishek's role. 

"My role in Mani sir's Hindi film has to be ground-breaking," said the actor currently basking in the success of Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's "Rang De Basanti".

"That has been a life-changing experience. I knew I had no more than 10 minutes on screen. I had no space to act. Just react. That's exactly what I did. And now, when 'Rang De Basanti' is such a craze, I feel good about it."

The actor's latest Tamil release "Thambi" is a hit. 

"I'm called Thambi instead of Maddy on the streets. It's a new high. I guess my son Vedant has brought me luck."
 
Suniel and Rituparno join hands for 'Rahgeer'
By Subhash K. Jha, Indo-Asian News Service

Mumbai, April 1 (IANS) Renowned Bengali director Rituparno Ghosh has signed Suniel Shetty for his film "Rahgeer" and seems to be quite impressed with the unusual blend of reliability and ruthlessness that he exudes.

"There is something about Suniel's personality. It exudes dependability and strength. And yet he can also look ruthless if he wants. I want him to play Vidya Balan's husband in 'Rahgeer'," Ghosh told IANS.

Ghosh has met Suniel and the choosy actor has agreed to work in his film in principle. 

"I need to hear the script now," said Suniel, who is shooting frantically round the clock and looking into the production of Priyadarshan's comedy "Bhaagam Bhaag", which Suniel's company Popkorn Entertainment is co-producing.

Suniel says Ghosh's film will give him the much-needed platform to reinvent him as an actor.

"I'd love to be a part of Rituparno's film. He is the kind of director who would take me beyond where I am today. I need to look beyond what I have done. 

"That's why after my current set of films - Subhash Ghai's 'Apna Sapna Money Money', Dharmesh Darshan's 'Aap Ki Khatir', J.P. Dutta's 'Umrao Jaan' and Mani Shankar's 'Mukhbir' - I need to take a break to recharge my batteries. Rituparno's film could be a step in my reinvention as an actor."

He's happy to step back and let Govinda and Akshay Kumar take the centre stage in "Bhaagam Bhaag". "Though my director Priyadarshan was very keen that I do the film, I am very clear I won't act in films that I produce. 

"'Bhaagam Bhaag' is actually for Chi-Chi (Govinda). When he told me to do something about his career, I had to act immediately. 'Bhaagam Bhaag' will show the Akshay-Govinda jodi in a really entertaining light."

Suneil has just returned from England after working with one of his favourite directors Dharmesh Darshan. 

"Dharmesh Darshan gave me one of my career's best roles in 'Dhadkan'. I can't claim to have an equally rewarding space in his new film 'Aap Ki Khatir'. But yes, I am one of the five protagonists. It is a very emotional love story with lots of lovely visuals and music."

But somewhere Suniel needs to go beyond what he's doing right now. 

"That's why a holiday. And then I return, hopefully, to work with Rituparno Ghosh."
 
Ayesha Jhulka serves Divya a legal notice
By Subhash K. Jha, Indo-Asian News Service

Mumbai, April 1 (IANS) Actress Divya Dutta has been served with a legal notice by Ayesha Jhulka for not giving an up-to-the-mark performance in her play "Mujhe Rang De".

Divya made her theatrical debut with "Mujhe Rang De" staged in December last year. The play, produced by Ayesha and directed by Anant Mahadevan, is now going to be staged in the US. 

The "Veer-Zaara" actress told IANS: "In the notice she says my performance in 'Mujhe Rang De' wasn't up to the mark. In that case why does she want me? She's threatening to take away my property to cover her damages. I have never heard of such a thing." 

"Amit-ji (Amitabh Bachchan) fell ill. Did the producers get nasty with him and take him to court? Obviously not! There are certain work ethics. And Ayesha needs to follow them... I'll reply to her legal notice. I have nothing to hide," she added. 

Divya hasn't been keeping too well and her colleague and co-star Ayesha isn't making her life easier. "What's her problem in life," Divya wanted to know, sounding terribly distressed. 

"The fact is I have been having terrible migraines and blackouts. She can't even imagine what I go through. During shooting and dubbing I get to rest after a while. But how can I go on stage for two uninterrupted hours? My doctor has told me not to use my voice loudly at all." 

Divya said Ayesha has been giving contradictory statements.

"Ayesha contradicts herself blissfully. She says I have been missing from the rehearsals. In the same breath she says I have sent her a letter informing her of my absence. How can I be missing if I have sent her a letter? 

"She says I ditched her at the eleventh hour. But the play (in the US) is in May! I sent her a three-month notice, which is good enough. How can she tell me I ditched her? And who's she to monitor my health? She thinks I should lie down and look ill? Why should I do that? Am I answerable to her or anyone?" 

The buzz is that the two actresses indulged in a catfight when Divya refused to share a makeup room with Ayesha on the sets of J.P. Dutta's film "Umrao Jaan" in Jaipur. 

Divya is miffed about Ayesha's repeated reference to Dutta. 

"Why does she keep bringing J.P. saab's unit in our conversations? J.P. saab won't appreciate it. She should be more respectful of a filmmaker of his stature. 'Umrao Jaan' has a lot more going for itself than a stupid fight between two actresses. 

"My decision to not do her play 'Mujhe Rang De' has nothing to do with our fight in Jaipur. I am in fact doing her a good turn by telling her of my bad health. What if I had gone to the US and then fallen ill? Actors being replaced in plays are routine. What is she creating a fuss about?"
 
Dev Benegal, film student to represent India at Cannes
Indo-Asian News Service

New Delhi, April 1 (IANS) Three people, including director Dev Benegal and a film student, will represent India at this year's Cannes Film Festival in France.

Benegal has been selected to participate at the "l'Atelier du festival" section at Cannes, which will give him the opportunity to present his work on his next project "Road Movie".

Anirban Datta, a student at the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute in Kolkata, becomes the first Indian to be selected in the "Cinéfondation" section for his film "Tetris", a statement from the French embassy in India said here. 

"I am thrilled about having the opportunity of a lifetime and proud to represent India at this year's Cannes film festival," said Datta. 

Bombay-based producer Sunil Doshi will also represent India. He will get the opportunity to showcase Rajat Kapoor's "Mixed Doubles" to the international delegates attending Cannes in the "Pavillon du Sud" and discuss his next projects with potential international partners.

"The participation of these three young men shows that Indian cinema is going global and Cannes is the best platform in the world for that," said Mohamed Bendjebbour, audiovisual attaché at the embassy.

Created in 1998 and devoted to the search for new talent, the Cinéfondation selects each year 15-20 short and medium-length works, presented by film schools from all over the world.

The selection of Cinéfondation is a section of the official selection of the Festival de Cannes.

The "Atelier" selects every year about 20 feature-film projects throughout the world, and invites their directors to Cannes to put them in touch with professionals.
 
Saif fine after emergency appendectomy
By Subhash K. Jha, Indo-Asian News Service

Mumbai, April 1 (IANS) Saif Ali Khan has undergone an emergency appendectomy in Kuala Lumpur and says he's fine now. 

Reacting to media speculation in Mumbai about his health, Saif who is recuperating in a hospital in Malaysia told IANS: "I'm fine now. But for a while it was touch-and-go. 

"I suddenly had this acute pain. I didn't know what was happening to me. Anything could've happened. I'm told my appendix could have burst if it hadn't been looked into in time."

He was operated upon Thursday evening.

"Thank god it's over. I'll be out of hospital in two days. For three weeks, I've to do no strenuous work."

The only shooting that's been affected is Vishal Bhardwaj's "Othello". The director has two more days' work with Saif on the set erected for the film in the outskirts of Mumbai. 

Saif was supposed to return from Kuala Lumpur Friday to re-join the crew. But now Bhardwaj will shoot Saif's remaining portion in Mumbai whenever possible.

"Thank god he's all right. He informed me from Kuala Lumpur about the emergency before the surgery. I'm now shooting a bit with Kareena and others and I return to Mumbai in a couple of days," says Bhardwaj.
 
Top honour for 'Maine Gandhi Ko...' at Mumbai fest
By Subhash K Jha, Indo-Asian News Service

Mumbai, April 1 (IANS) It might not have got the cash registers jingling in India. But with Jahnu Barua's first Hindi film "Maine Gandhi Ko Nahin Mara" winning an award here, the film has got its share of glory.

The FIPRESCI award at the film festival was given at the International Film Festival of Mumbai organised by the Mumbai Academy of Moving Images (MAMI).

Says Anupam Kher who stars in the movie and also produced it: "I couldn't be at the festival to collect the award, since I'm shooting in Nainital for Sooraj Barjatya's 'Vivah'. But my director, Jahnu Barua, was there. It's a very prestigious award since it's the only award given by the international press. 

"It's fantastic that the film is being recognised internationally. Even nationally we made our money back. It was well marketed by Yashraj Films. 

"It's now been sold to Sony Entertainment for a handsome sum. It will be telecast April 8. I think the film got its share of glory."

Adds the film's leading lady Urmila Matondkar, "It's wonderful that the film is being so much appreciated abroad, though not at home. May be the standards for our cinema have gone up so high that 'Maine Gandhi...' was just not good enough for our audience. 

"Abroad, I can vouch for the audiences' passionate participation. The MAMI award is a cherry on the topping. It was very daring for Anupamji to produce the kind of cinema that other big producers only keep talking about." 

Urmila admits she wishes the film had fared better in India. 

"But the intention was never to make a blockbuster. One does such films because one wants to. Nor did I do it for critical acclaim. The recognition was just the bonus. Even cynical journalists loved 'Maine Gandhi...' It's heartening to see that certain sections haven't become desensitised to issues such as old age. Yes, it could've performed better at the Indian box office. But never mind."
 
Top honour for 'Maine Gandhi Ko...' at Mumbai fest
By Subhash K Jha, Indo-Asian News Service

Mumbai, April 1 (IANS) It might not have got the cash registers jingling in India. But with Jahnu Barua's first Hindi film "Maine Gandhi Ko Nahin Mara" winning an award here, the film has got its share of glory.

The FIPRESCI award at the film festival was given at the International Film Festival of Mumbai organised by the Mumbai Academy of Moving Images (MAMI).

Says Anupam Kher who stars in the movie and also produced it: "I couldn't be at the festival to collect the award, since I'm shooting in Nainital for Sooraj Barjatya's 'Vivah'. But my director, Jahnu Barua, was there. It's a very prestigious award since it's the only award given by the international press. 

"It's fantastic that the film is being recognised internationally. Even nationally we made our money back. It was well marketed by Yashraj Films. 

"It's now been sold to Sony Entertainment for a handsome sum. It will be telecast April 8. I think the film got its share of glory."

Adds the film's leading lady Urmila Matondkar, "It's wonderful that the film is being so much appreciated abroad, though not at home. May be the standards for our cinema have gone up so high that 'Maine Gandhi...' was just not good enough for our audience. 

"Abroad, I can vouch for the audiences' passionate participation. The MAMI award is a cherry on the topping. It was very daring for Anupamji to produce the kind of cinema that other big producers only keep talking about." 

Urmila admits she wishes the film had fared better in India. 

"But the intention was never to make a blockbuster. One does such films because one wants to. Nor did I do it for critical acclaim. The recognition was just the bonus. Even cynical journalists loved 'Maine Gandhi...' It's heartening to see that certain sections haven't become desensitised to issues such as old age. Yes, it could've performed better at the Indian box office. But never mind."