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2008-09-07T08:41:00.000-07:00

Mid Day: Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na movie review, film review

2008-07-05T02:15:00.000-07:00

Jane tu ya jaane na movie review from Mid Day

Jaan too much

WHAT'S HOT: Set in the mould of Imtiaz Ali's much-underrated and brilliantly crafted Socha Na Tha, Jaane Tu… deals with the emotional turbulence of a young couple in a breezy, romantic and seemingly honest manner told in 'Chalte Chalte' narrative. The realisation-of-love part between Imran and Genelia is touching; their camaraderie has some brilliant moments. The best part is that director Abbas Tyrewala gives ample scope to all his characters. All the friends have well sketched-out parts; there's no overlapping of characters and the screenplay offers enough situations to keep the proceedings on a high. Ratna Pathak Shah, and Naseeruddin Shah add zing to the film. Arbaaz and Sohail Khan's guest appearance comes with a punch. Smita Patel's son Prateik is impressive in a small but interesting role. Manjari Phadnis deserves a special mention. Imran has been presented like a boy-next-door and that adds to his appeal. The role fits him so perfectly that he breezes through it. Watch the scene where Imran finally does the thing that makes his father dance with joy — it's paisa-vasool. The female audiences are sure to lap up this dreamy chocolate hero in a big way. Genelia is spontaneous, and oozes charm. Music by A R Rahman is probably one of the best scores of the year.

What's not: The first half of the film could've done with better pace; at times, the tempo drips. Also, the whole climax at the airport has really been over-played. Surely, someone like Abbas could've thought of something more original — to end the film on a high note.

What to do: Jaane Tu… is a must-watch for all romantics out there. It's sparkling, refreshing and entertaining. Source: Mid Day

Movie Review: Jane Tu Ya Jaane Hum Film Review

2008-07-05T01:58:00.000-07:00

Imran Khan excels in Jane Tu: Jaane Tu...Ya Jaane Na, written and directed by Abbas Tyrewala (who scripted the fun Munnabhai, Main Hoon Na and Maqbool among others) is a fun-filled, engaging entertainment. Rarely do you feel bored as four friends narrate the love story of the protagonists -- Jai and Aditi -- to a bored newcomer, who joins the group by the time the film ends. More

Genelia Impresses: My favourite moment in Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na -- and there are many -- comes early on, when Ratna Pathak Shah, playing Jai's mother, is shocked to see a sobbing Aditi being led into the house.More

For a while now in Bollywood cinema, the growth of the multiplex concept has resulted in the arrival of genre films. Hence, we now have sci-fi, thrillers, suspense, children’s cinema, teen-comedies, love stories etc - and not all rolled into one. More

Jane Tu: Wallpaper of Imran Khan from Jane Tu (Bollywood)

2008-07-05T01:23:00.001-07:00

Imran Khan looks quite sweet and amazing in this picture which was shot before the release of the movie, Jane Tu ya Jane Hum. The movie is already a hit (I am writing this post on Saturday morning, Friday's box office report is great, Jane tu ya Jane na is doing better than Love Story 2050)

How to download Imran Khan's picture? You can download this picture by clicking on the photo. From there you can save it on your desktop.

Imran Khan (of Jane Tu) childhood photo, kid picture

2008-07-05T01:05:00.000-07:00

This photograph is of Imran Khan, Aamir Khan's nephew. You bet, wasnt this Jane Tu hero sweeter during his childhood. So sweet kid, what are you looking at through this lense, uncle Aamir Khan ramncing with heroines like Neelam and Ayaesha Jhulka....haha....

Please leave yourt comment about how cute and sweet you find this snap of Imraan khan

Exclusive Jane Tu Wallpaper, Imran Khan walpaper, photo

2008-07-05T00:38:00.000-07:00

Wow...what an image of the sweetie cutie Imran Khan. Nice wallpaper no? I have already downloaded on my desktop. The photo looks small but clicking on the image you will be able to see the bigger downloadable wallpaper version. Man, I loved watching Jane Tu ya Jane Na....this boy Imraan Khan rocks, he is so sweet

Imran Khan wallpaper, bollywood photo, Imraan Khan picture from Jane Tu

2008-07-04T21:23:00.000-07:00

I was looking for some Imran Khan wallpaper (Bollywood, not the cricketer one) and photos and images. I liked watching the movie, Jane Tu and was planning to create some wonderful wallpaper of this Imraan Khan, who is Amir Khan's nephew.

To get the full wallpaper you have click on the image above.

Ranbir Kapoor in Bachna Ae Haseeno photos, pictures and images

2008-07-04T10:35:00.000-07:00

My experience of watching Mimoh, Jimmy at an empty multiplex

2008-06-09T10:34:00.000-07:00

I really feel pity for this boy. Mimoh, Mithun's son. Mithun named his boy Mimoh after Micheal Jackson and Mohammad Ali, whom he used to idolize, he still does, both of them became world famous by their hard work, will power and determination. Thus Mi from Micheal and Moh from Mohammad formed Mimoh.

Mimoh's first movie Jimmy was a disaster. The film bombed at the box office big time. Saturday I have off from office, I went all the way to 24 Carat (Jogeshwari), a multiplex from Andheri to watch the movie, Because the movie was not released in any of the five theaters/multiplexes in Andheri, neither in Bandra or Khar. It was Saturday matinée show, the movie released on Friday, and I was the only the second person in the balcony who watched the movie.

Mimoh danced well, expressions during action scenes were good, but when the product (the movie) is so mundane and seemed like 15 years old, you cant help it. Mithun has to realize that time has changed (I think he is stuck in a time zone when we used to have movies like these, my friends told me now a days he acts in Bengali movies, where he is a big star and these movies are nothing but copy of Hindi films we used to see in 80s and early 90s).

I feel sorry for the kid. Mimoh will surely get another launch pad and will come out as winner. At least he is much better than Tusshar Kapoor, yaar. Really.

Raveena Tandon & Anil Thandani wedding mariage photographs pictures

2008-06-09T10:16:00.000-07:00

There was a time when Raveena Tandon rocked the Indian silver screen like a roaring queen. She delivered one after hit films like Dilwale, Andaz Apna Apna, Mohra, Dulhe Raja, Aunty No. 1, Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, Anarai No. 1, AKS and many more.

I am a big fan of Raveen Tandon, I liked her in Patthar Ke Phool with Salman Khan, the movie though was a big flop. While searching for her marriage picture I got this image of Raveena Tandon and Anil Thandani. The couple looked great. It seems the couple is going great, I wish them all the best, may God bless them.

Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na movie promo video

2008-06-09T09:42:00.000-07:00

Well, Aamir Khan is going to launch his nephew under much much fanfare. The movie is also going to take on directly with Hritik Roshan look alike Harman Baweja, who like Abhishek Bachchan is more in news because of his association with his lady love. Love Story 2050 is a 60-70 crore movie, that's what the makers of the movie is claiming or else how would the media would come to know. Aamir is not claiming any multi crore stuff for the movie, so we can guess the movie is modestly budgeted. It does not matter also, those who are fans of Aamir know that more than gloss Aamir believes in quality.

Imraan Khan, Aamir's nephew's picture and photos from Jaane Tu...Ya Jaane Na

2008-06-09T08:51:00.000-07:00

He is a sweetie pie, just like Aamir Khan. There are more similarities guys, like Aamir's first movie (not technically though) Qayamat Se Qamayat Tak, where Aamir played the character of a Rajput guy, Imraan is also playing a Rajput boy in the movie Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na. There is no Dilip Tahil in the movie, who always played strong character role, we will miss him. Instead we have Naseeruddin Shah (In Sarforosh, Aamir played a Rathod character where Naseeruddin acted as a heinous vilain, I still remember the brutal way he killed that bird).

Anyway, lets come back to this sweetie puity koochie poochie Imraan Khan, he looks cute, and I am sure he acts well too, or else Aamir would not have taken him in the movie.

I can apprehend in the box office Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na is getting a good opening. Because clever Aamir has intentionally timed the release of the movie with Love Story 2050. He knows another Saawariya vs Om Shanti Om hype will be created. Don't worry about the feed to the media, Aamir hain na.

Star Cast of the movie Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na

Imraan Khan...... Jai Singh Rathore
Genelia Dsouza...... Aditi
Ratna Pathak...... Special Appearance
Naseruddin Shah...... Special Appearance
Arbaaz Khan...... Special Appearance
Sohail Khan...... Special Appearance
Arshad Warsi...... Special Appearance
Paresh Rawal...... Special Appearance
Manjari Phadnis...... Meghna
Anuradha Patel
Jayant Kriplani

Saawariya Photo: Sonam Kapoor, Ranbir Kapoor exclusive pictures, images

2007-10-31T10:47:00.000-07:00

No limit to Nikita’s craziness

2007-10-27T12:21:00.000-07:00

Heroine NIKITA is crazy bout wristwatches and goggles. Wherever she goes, she makes it a point to look out for new kinds of watches and goggles and her collection is really huge. “From my childhood I am very crazy about these two things. Whenever I go abroad I get into all the shops to look for new varieties in watches and goggles. So far I must have spent a few lakhs of rupees just for these two things. I keep them very carefully at my home,” she says. Right now Nikita is busy shooting for RAMPRASAD’s forthcoming film. Her latest Tamil film Kurumbu is doing well at the box office. She is also getting a lot of offers from the Tamil industry, after the release of the film.

Deepika Padukone: Semi nude nipple slip picture

2007-10-27T00:54:00.000-07:00

Deepika Padukone is looking like an angel in the movie Om Shanti Om. What is she in real life I really don't know. But many say she was quite famous for wild partying and etc. Her romance with Nihar Pandya (that's seems real romance because both of them know each other since their modeling days) also come to an abrupt end. After all the next big Bollywood star can not afford to dating some one like Nihar Pandya, so comes the new blue eyed boy of the tinsel town, Ranvir Kapoor. Both of them have signed to do films together, so this affair means business sense.

Movie Review: Jab We Met

2007-10-27T00:13:00.000-07:00

I like reading movie reviews from HT, Khalid Mohammad has this typical funny style of writing. Its like riding a bullock cart on a village road. Its not smooth, thats what I can say at least.

Some phrases that he uses while reviewing for Jab We Met are, “jabber-blabber girl”, “chirpy-chirpy-cheep-cheep girl”, “bring on the screwball shenanigans please”. Like that.

Anyway, go ahead and read what he has he reviews the flick called Jab We Met

Get this. Since his life’s in a slump, he’s about to jump from a train going bump-bump. Just then, this jabber-blabber girl yells, “Hang on dude.” Suicide prevented. Notch one triumph already for the girl. She’s a pack of instant sunshine.
Actually, Jab We Met written-directed by Imtiaz Ali, is quite a delight, particularly for its the chirpy-chirpy-cheep-cheep girl and the retentive, moan-groan boy. Directed with a flair for garnishing even the most abject of circumstances with humour and irony, here’s a feel-cool movie. Wonderful. Read

Jab We Met Movie Review

2007-10-26T23:52:00.000-07:00

Ok...guys...in Bollywood there is no publicity like bad publicity because after all its what publicity that the stars hanker after. So, after making all the sound with Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor has managed to pull of a hit at last at the box office. Surely, Shahid Kapoor Kareena Kapoor break up story has make people excited.

Here goes Jab We Met movie review from Taram Adarsh

Love stories are beaten to death. The genre has been rehashed, visited and re-visited again and again and again. So much so that all love stories look, seem and sound alike. But JAB WE MET, helmed by Imtiaz Ali, takes a fresh look at love stories.

Frankly, the story isn't new. It has traces of the Abhishek - Ash starrer DHAAI AKSHAR PREM KE [2000; which, in turn, was inspired by A WALK IN THE CLOUDS] and Govinda - Urmila starrer KUNWARA [2000; which, in turn, was a remake of a Telugu film BHAVANAGARU BHAGUNNARA], but director Imtiaz Ali's execution of the subject takes it to another level altogether. More

Saif Kareena exclusive picture photo and images

2007-10-17T23:54:00.000-07:00

Kareena Shahid Breaks Up, Saif Kareena love story begins

2007-10-17T22:55:00.000-07:00

Friends, Kareena Kapoor is nothing but a nautanki. Well, don't blame Kareena alone, everyone in celeb business are hypocrites, can go to any extent for a better role or better future prospect. Shahid-Kareena jodi seems like have been created for this sole reason to feed the media with endless scoops. Now after so many films and mms clips, Kareena-Shahid jodi falls flat in box office, so also their love story.

Kareena rich, Shahid poor

So, you thought Kareena Kapoor, the grand daughter of showman of showmen, Raj Kapoor will sacrifice her career for the sake of love, for Shahid Kapur?, who compared to Kapoor legacy is no match, whose father Pankaj Kapur is merely a television actor. Remember, in Mumbai, television actors are found in every public place, be it local train or bus or local market etc.
Kareena Kapur after all can not be a match to someone like Shahid Kapur. Also complicates the case of Shahid Kapoor's unusual success at the box office. Shahid's Vivah is a mega hit....no, not in metros or overseas, in interior India, in so called rural areas. Shahid also looks great with Amrita Rao. So called glam doll (without curves) Kareena does not see any professional future with him.

[Read: Kareena-Shahid split: Randhir Kapoor hinted at Kofee with Karan]
[Read:Saif says I love Kareena at Lakme Fashion Week, Shahid ringtone: Jiye to Jiye Kaise]

Chote Nawab fits the bill

So dump Shahid, instead get some one who is single, who sells not only in India and US, but UK, Pakistan, UAE, Australia etc. get some one who can be a match to Kapoor Khandan. Chote Nawab Saif Ali Khan fits in.

Kareena-Shahid split: Randhir Kapoor hinted at Kofee with Karan

2007-10-17T21:36:00.001-07:00

Kapoor Khandan never expected Shahid as their damad. After all, she is from the erstwhile 'Kapoor Khandan' and Shahid's father, Pankaj Kapoor is only a television actor? Na....no match.

But Kapoors anyway to manage with Shahid because firstly, Kareena after giving some big flops desperately wanted fresh change, she wanted to look younger, so grabbed the hottest cutest boy in the town, Shahid Kapur, the freshest face to hit the Bollywood after Ishq Vishq. Was there any kind of love or an agreement of love, I don't know. If that was an agreement, I am sure both of them felt immensely bore while shooting outdoor or may have some fun ;-) after all Karteena does not look like puritan in any way.

Kapoor Family had to go with Kareena's decision. They have to. Didn't they in anyway, when trying to be India's Paris Hilton Kareena-Shahid openly kissed each other at the restaurant and the mms strategically being circulated all over media.

Randhir Kapoor at Kofee with Karan

During Kofee with Karan show when Randhir Kapoor was asked by Karan Johar, in line with Karisma (Lolo) and Kareena (Bebo) what pet name he would like to give to Shahid?

Randhir Kapoor says 'Dodo'

What does Dodo mean by the way?

Dodo is a bird which extincted (disappeared) from the earth since the mid to late 17th century. 'Dodo' the very word now symbolizes extinction of something. A relationship, an era, a story.

Informally it also means, One who is out-of-date, as in dress or ideas. A stupid person; an idiot.

More meaning:

dodo : 1628, from Port. doudo "fool, simpleton," an insult applied by Port. sailors to the awkward bird (Didus ineptus or DODO) they found on Mauritius island. The last record of a living one is from 1681. Applied in Eng. to stupid persons since 1886.

Source: Dictionary.com

Download Kareena Shahid MMS Video Clip here

PS: The hype is building over Kareena-Shahid's Friday release 'Jab We Met.' Keep an eye on Bollywoodfresh.blogspot.com, with my own bitching style sparing no one I will write the Jab We Met movie review right after Friday day morning show is over.

[Read:Saif says I love Kareena at Lakme Fashion Week, Shahid ringtone: Jiye to Jiye Kaise]

[Read:Kareena Shahid Breaks Up, Saif Kareena love story begins]

Saif says I love Kareena at Lakme Fashion Week, Shahid ringtone: Jiye to Jiye Kaise

2007-10-17T12:20:00.000-07:00

Saif Ali Khan expressed his love for Kareena Kapoor. While attending the Lakme Fashion Week this evening Saif Ali Khan told media that he loves Kareena. Yes, that's how he informed the whole world about his new love.

[Read: Kareena-Shahid split: Randhir Kapoor hinted at Kofee with Karan]

Shahid Kapur, on the contrary visited Ahmedabad to inaugurate a local Garva function. He only appeared for few minutes on the stage. Waved his hand to the crowd and gone back to his car. He did not speak with media persons. He must have known by then the statement that Saif Ali Khan made about his lady love in the evening because when media tried to contact him via his cell phone, they found out that Shahid has placed 'Jiye to Jiye Kaise Bin Aapke' as his ringtone.

Jiye to Jiye Kaise Video

Thats how the love story ended between Kareena Kapoor and Shahid Kapur. Both of them acted in films like 'Fida', '36 China Town', 'Chup Chup Ke' and to be released 'Jab We Met'

In the last few weeks, the Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor was spotted together on several occasions, they also dined at a Delhi night club along with Karisma Kapoor and Sanjay Kapoor. When photographers tried to take snaps, Sanajy asked them to leave the couple alone.

Picture1: Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor on a bike

Photo/Image2: Saif Kareena spotted at Delhi night club

Note: I will update more information, photos, pictures about Shahid, Saif, Kareena soon.

Hrithik Roshan interview

2007-10-17T09:12:00.000-07:00

Kids love him. If Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai had them aping his dance steps, particularly the hand movements in the Ek pal ka jeena number, his transition from Forrest Gump to a capeless Superman in Koi Mil Gaya has only won him a following among the juniors. “I love children,” announces Hrithik Roshan. So it’s a mutual admiration society. “In fact, I meet nearly 20-30 kids every day,” he says. “Every morning there is a bunch of them outside my house. Or there are kids of my friends or relatives who come over home to meet me.”

He is also pleasantly puzzled that kids should gravitate towards him with his debut flick three years ago. “I don’t think Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai was a children’s film at all,” he muses. “So it was surprising that they should like it so much. Actually, it’s quite flattering.” This time round, Koi Mil Gaya had every reason to appeal to the minor community. It had kids, special effects, an ET-like creature and a superhero with a kid’s psyche. “But I never thought of Koi Mil Gaya has a children’s film,” admits Hrithik. “For me the challenge was in playing a mentally-challenged character.” In fact, he was reportedly so nervous playing the character that he almost shied away from initially seeing the rush print. “I hadn’t done anything like this before.” Now that the film has hit a century at the box office, his efforts have paid off handsomely. So what about a sequel? “As much as I would love it,” says Hrithik and laughs, “I don’t think that’s going to happen. Because dad wouldn’t want to do it all over again.” But playing a comic book hero would be most welcome. “Yeah, it would be fun to play one of those superheroes.”

However, for a star basking in the glory of the second biggest solo hit of his career, Hrithik Roshan hasn’t signed any film in recent months. “I haven’t signed any film after Lakshya,” he says. “That film is 30 per cent complete. Once Lakshya is over, I will go on a two week vacation out of the country. Then I will be back to read scripts and listen to narrations.”

Hopefully, while Lakshya is a war flick, he will be back to doing something that will have children cheering and applauding. Like he says, “I love kids. I am quite concerned about their future. I certainly don’t want to disappoint them.”

Sandeep Chowta: A man with a mission

2007-10-17T08:11:00.000-07:00

Sandeep Chowta has had quite a brilliant year. Almost all his compositions have ruled music charts from Rang Rang (Bollywood -Hollywood) to Laila Laila (Samay). Chowta is going to release his second pop album before the year ends. The album features the voices of Somya Raoh, Sunita and Sona Kakkar singing some originals and a few remixes. What’s more his directorial debut film, contrary to reports is not shelved. Chowta confirms, “The film hasn’t been shelved and will be a Telugu-Hindi bilingual. Now that we are making it into a bilingual we have to look into the recovery issues and for that we are reworking the entire thing, including the script, shooting locations etc “to adapt it for northern and southern tastes.” What more could someone ask for?

Raveena Tandon exclusive picture with hubby Anil Thandani

2007-10-17T07:12:00.000-07:00

Hrithik Roshan Picture with kids

2007-10-17T06:19:00.000-07:00

Asha Bhonsle to sing for John Woo film

2007-10-17T05:05:00.000-07:00

After collaborating with Western acts like Boy George and Code Red, Asha Bhosle is singing for Hollywood martial arts film Bulletproof Monk. The track is titled The Way
You Dream. The co-writer and executive producer is Gotham Chopra, son of New Age guru Deepak Chopra. The film stars Chow Yun-Fat and is being co-produced by John Woo, who made Face/Off and Mission Impossible II. The film also has UK-based Indian group X-Crew performing bhangda track Ranjah X.

Arbaaz Malaika with son Arhaan: Exclusive Picture

2007-10-17T03:04:00.000-07:00

Exclusive photo: Arbaz Khan and Malaika Arora Khan with their son Arhaan

Akshay Kumar Twinkle Khanna exclusive picture

2007-10-17T02:04:00.000-07:00

After the super successful Bhool Bhulaiyaa (or Bhul Bhulaiya) Akshay Kumar and wife Twinkle Khanna seem to be completely relaxed in each other’s company. Though he seems to be explaining to her that that’s not a hickey on his neck, but an injury that he incurred during a fight sequence while shooting for his latest film.

Honeymoon Travel star Sandhya Mridul speaks

2007-10-16T23:43:00.000-07:00

Sandhya Mridul is nothing like Dina of Saathiya or Honeymoon Travel's confused newly wed lady. In reality, she's pure dynamite. Almost a year after Saathiya, she's back, in a new avtaar, as a tough cop in Waisa Bhi Hota Hai. "I'm here to act, not to make hay while the sun shines. If money was my top priority, I'd have acted in 10 films by now as a good sister, bhabhi and so on. I made things tough for myself and waited for tough roles, like the one that Shashank gave me in this film, which a dark comedy," says a confident Sandhya.

At the prime of her television career, with successes from Hubahu and Koshish, she shifted to cinema just to avoid being typecast. "I'm scared to touch another serial now," she says throwing a surprise at you. "Most serials begin well but don't know how to end. They meander aimlessly. I did Choti Si Aasha directed by K Balachander where the audience knew the beginning and ending. And yet, it was gripping. I thought that was a better serial."
Post Saathiya, Sandhya took centre stage as part of the TV crew for the World Cup Cricket coverage. But again, she's moved on. "I love sports but didn't see myself becoming a part of the regular cricket coverage. At a short term, I look for satisfaction in whatever I do but in the long run, I want a portfolio that I'd be proud of."

The bottom line is, routine stuff bores her. The uncertainty of the future doesn't induce fear, but challenges her. "I'm fearless, speak my mind and follow my heart. My gut feel has never let me down. I'd rather take up challenges than be a fencesitter."

In her acting career, she will push the envelope and take up hatke roles. "When I knew that I'd have to sport short hair and change my look for Waisa Bhi Hota Hai, I was game for it." Sandhya has also signed up a film with Parvati Balagopal of Hubahu fame. And sometime in future, might try script writing. "Now I only write drafts," she laughs.

On her personal front, she's put marriage on hold. "Ali Khan and I were seeing each other and planned to get married. But somehow, I felt this was not the right time and we took a tough decision. I'm not thinking of marriage now."

Penelope Cruz to act in film on Mother Teresa

2007-10-16T22:31:00.000-07:00

Hollywood beauty Penelope Cruz will play herself, do voiceover for docu drama by India-born director

Hollywood beauty Penelope Cruz is set to lend her support to a docu drama based on the life of Mother Teresa. The actress, who had volunteered with Missionaries of Charity for seven years, will play herself in the film and will also do the Spanish voiceover. The film is being made by India-born Gautam Das, scriptwriter and associate producer of the Tom Hanks starrer Bachelor Party and scriptwriter of In The Shadow of Kilimanjaro. He is directing Mother Teresa, a $ 2 million project being produced by Sahara, co-produced by Percept and Tribe K Cinema. Penelope had several interactions with Mother, which are portrayed in the film.

Based on a 30,000-page research work done by the Vatican, it features interactions of Mother with eminent personalities like Father Brian from the Vatican (second in command to the Pope), Sister Nirmala (who now heads Missionaries of Charity), lensman Raghu Rai, Mother’s biographer Navin Chawla and Sahara chief Subroto Roy. Shot in Rome, France, Kolkata and Chitagarh, the film will be made in English, Spanish, French, German, Portuguese and Italian. French actress Sylvie Amato is playing a young Mother Teresa.

“The film features some miracles attributed to Mother. It will be mainly for the international market, but with Indian sensibility,” says Das. “Due to her schedule, Penelope couldn’t do
the central role, but she says she wants to do a film on Mother when she’s in her 40s.” Music will be an important part of the film and will have six songs, to be created by a collaboration between Indian artists and French musicians. There’s also a move to have Lata Mangeshkar sing for the film.

Recalling his first meeting with Mother, Roy says, “When I met her for the first time, she gave a card to my friend. I asked her what the card was. She said, ‘Don’t you know this is my business card?’ I said, ‘Business card?’ ‘Well, yes,’ she replied. ‘What is your business?’ I asked. ‘My business is to beg for my children,’ she said. Mother never asked for money from me, but she used to ask for old clothes for children she was taking care of. My association with her was based on emotion, admiration and respect.”

The documentary, to be made with the cooperation of the Vatican as well as Missionaries of Charity, will highlight Mother Teresa’s journey through life with commentary by the Archbishop of Kolkatta Cardinal Henry D’Souza. It will also have footage of the beatification in Rome and interviews with Catholic scholars. The film will be released in February.

Photo: Madhuri with son picture, exclusive image

2007-10-16T11:38:00.000-07:00

Exclusive picture/image/photo of Madhuri Dixit with her son Arin.

Madhuri Dixit interview

2007-10-16T10:44:00.000-07:00

The living room of Madhuri Dixit’s Juhu home is virtually a toyhouse. It’s indicative of the fact that her seven-month-old son Arin is the centre of her universe now. And he’s keeping everyone, including his nana-nani, on their toes. The otherwise reticent grandparents are loving it. If grandma’s chatting up relatives who’ve been pouring in to see the ma-beta, grandpa Shankar’s regaling them with tales of Arin and showing them his toys. “Arin is my seventh grandchild. He’s a good baby. The weather here has affected him a little, though he’s adjusting,” says proud nani Snehalata.

Madhuri joins in: “I’m still jetlagged. I meet relatives in the day, catch up with sleep in the evening and I’m wide awake, playing with Arin, at night. But it’s fun.”

Madhuri’s started a workout schedule to lose the flab gained post-delivery. “I’m losing the extra pounds. I want to prove that mothers can be in brilliant shape. People should look at a mother in awe.”

Hubby Dr Shriram Nene and Madhuri are keen to teach Arin his mother tongue, Marathi. “We have two cats at home. I feared that Arin’s first word would be ‘meow’,” she laughs. “That’s why Ram (that’s what she calls her husband) is particular that we talk to him only in Marathi. Anyway, Ram doesn’t know Hindi and Arin will pick up English while he’s growing up.” At the moment, he can only manage words like ‘mamy’ and ‘baba’.

Madhuri will be in India for three to four months, during which time she will meet filmmakers who have projects she might be interested in. She’ll also visit friends and relatives. “With Arin around, I can’t afford a haywire schedule. I’ll only take up work that’s organised. Raj Kumar Santoshi says he has something for me. I’m meeting him, Rituparno Ghosh and Zoya Akhtar.” Zafar Hai too is keen to cast her in a period film.

She also clarifies that she hasn’t charged royalty from Ram Gopal Varma for using her name in Main Madhuri Dixit Banna Chahti Hoon. “Mom saw it and told me it’s a cute film that compliments me. One can’t put a price on that. I knew Varma wouldn’t misuse my name.”

Looking lovely as ever, Madhuri says that a few years down the line she sees herself with Arin on one side and a daughter in her lap. Till then, she awaits the arrival of Ram who’s scheduled to land in town within a couple of weeks.

Shahrukh Khan with Gauri in a party: Exclusive Pic

2007-10-16T09:44:00.000-07:00

Ramu's Bhoot to be made in Tamil

2007-10-16T08:41:00.000-07:00

When all of Bollywood copies (read ‘inspired’ as they prefer to call it) from South films, here’s one tale that tells a different story. And who else to be the inspiration behind the exception to the rule than, maverick filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma. thanks to him, things have been done just the other way around. It’s the South’s turn to ‘be inspired’ by a Ramu flick. His imagination fired by Ramu’s ghostly deed in Bhoot, Tamil
Director Thiagarajan has decided to remake the film in Tamil. He has in Tamil superstars Prashant (who also happens to be his son) and Simran to play the leads. Leads us to wonder what this one will be called...What about Pae - that’s ‘ghost’ in Tamil!

Amitabh: Director's choice

2007-10-16T08:35:00.000-07:00

Amitabh Bachchan is surely the choice of Gen Next filmmakers. “I am doing Sujoy Ghosh’s Borivali,” says the Big B, who is proving to be the first choice of most young filmmakers these days — from Kaizad Gustad to Nagesh Kukunoor. “I just feel good about the fact that they consider me for their films,” says the modest Mr Bachchan. “It’s exciting working with them.”

Akshay, Paresh not comfortable with Madhur Bhandarkar

2007-10-16T07:38:00.000-07:00

Producer Feroz Nadiawala doesn’t believe in the adage there is no smoke without fire. Ever since reports of fallout with director Madhur Bhandarkar during the making of Aan started, Nadiadwala’s been trying to set the record straight. “I don’t understand where these rumours are coming from,” says the exasperated producer. According to the grapevine, Bhandarkar was very rarely present on the sets of Aan, actors like Akshay Kumar and Paresh Rawal didn’t listen to him and that a complete fight sequence was shot in the Middle East without the National Award winning director. “I take all the orders from Madhur so there is no way that my actors wouldn’t. Also, 95 per cent of the film is complete, so how would that have been possible without Madhur,” he asks. The Chandni Bar director is just as shocked as his producer. “I don’t understand this rumour. How could we be fighting when we are already planning our next film,” wonders Bhandarkar. But, they must have had some disagreements so start these rumours. “Yes, we did have minor disagreements but which creative process is complete without one,” retorts Nadiadwala. Point taken.

What makes Dino Morea smile?

2007-10-16T06:40:00.000-07:00

Dino Morea is on a high. The hunky model-turned-actor has been getting showered with compliments ever since Shhhh.... released a couple of weeks ago, and he simply can’t stop smiling. “I’ve been getting so many calls appreciating my performance. Even Karan Johar called me up,” he told us excitedly. This is Dino’s third release and his progress as an actor is impressive. Keep smiling, Dino. Here’s wishing you more reasons to keep that

AR Rahman Interview

2007-10-16T05:40:00.001-07:00

AR Rahman is back in Chennai. He seems pretty excited about the new sound that he has created for Khalid Mohamed’s Tehzeeb. The Asha Bhosle track Meherbaan is already on the way up. Rahman lights up at the mention of the seductive songstress. “You know these singing greats like Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle haven’t grown beyond 18. I don’t see them growing old at all.”

Rahman then makes a startling revelation. “I never had a tune for Meherbaan. It was composed on the spot. I just told Ashaji to start and it happened. It was almost like a jam session at the end of which we came out with a 15-minute track that finally became Meherbaan.”

The general perception in Mumbai is that Rahman is too focussed on an international career to pay attention to Hindi scores. “Well, I’ve two scores in two months, Tehzeeb and then Meenaxi. So that should lay all the doubts about my loyalty to rest. I’m very much in India. In fact I’ve decided to keep Chennai my base. Besides, the international projects give me ample time to create and compose. Not like our film songs which are sometimes demanded to be ready in an hour. So I can even out my schedules between East and West,” he chuckles boyishly.

And then a steely determination creeps into this gentle genius’ voice. “What I’ve stopped doing are the substandard films or those that don’t ensure ample room for my songs. I still have the cream, so to speak including Subhash Ghai’s Kisna. Between 2000-2002 , nine of my projects in Hindi and couple in Tamil never took off. So 70 percent of my output during this period never came out. It was very frustrating. There are so many people waiting to work with me. I had to turn them down to do work that never got released. I can’t complain, because I know what the film industry is going through. But I’m hoping something like my work in Deepa Mehta’s Water gets released.”

Why the joint composing credit in Kisna. “See, I had warned Mr Ghai that I won’t have enough time for his film . But he was pretty keen that I do at least some of the tracks . So I did. And no, I don’t feel bad about sharing credits with another composer. I knew it all along.”

Rahman is equally excited about the music for Husain’s film. “You’ve to hear what Asha Bhosle has done for me in MF Husain’s Meenaxi. For one song we started with no tune and no lyrics either. One afternoon I bumped into Lataji and Ashaji in Marks & Spencers in London. I asked Ashaji if she’d do a song with me the next day. She had to go to Scotland the next day. But she returned in a few days and we finished the track Dua dua in four hours in London."

But Tehzeeb is Rahman’s current favourite. “I quite loved doing the dreamy raga-based songs in this film. Abroad, the Indians just love ghazals. Hopefully they’d enjoy Tehzeeb. But I thought the classical songs would come on television first. My Dil se re came before Chaiyyan chaiyyan. Even if we take Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam the slow songs came first.”

Kamal Haasan a tribute as he turns 50

2007-10-16T05:40:00.000-07:00

Call him Kamal Haasan or Kamal Hassan or Kamalhaasan, the man, a living legend has turned 50 last week. It’s a milestone for a powerhouse of a performer who made his first screen appearance at four, in the movie Kalatthur Kannamma.

The real big break came with K Balachander’s Arangetram and fine performances followed one another, earning for him awards and accolades. He has experimented with every conceivable role from the village simpleton in Padhinaru Vayathiniley to a psycopath killer in Sigappu Rojakal, a blind violinist in Raja Paarvai, and an out-of-work youth in Varumayin Niram Sivappu.

Over the top entertainment comes easily to him — Guru and Sakalakalavallavan made waves at the box office. Moondram Pirai, remade as Sadma in Hindi, Sagara Sangamam and Swathi Muthyum in Telugu, Nayakan, Sathya, Devar Magan, all proved his acting prowess.

New make-up, looks, roles have always fascinated this actor. He turned himself into a dwarf for Aboorva Sagotharargal and in Avvai Shanmugi he was a South Indian Mrs Doubtfire.

Here’s a birthday bouquet of thoughts on this amazing actor:

Madhavan, actor He is a university where you enroll and study acting. I learned a lot and improved my acting after working with him in Anbe Sivam.

Mani Ratnam, director Kamalahasan believes in doing every film in a unique way. He likes to go into the minor details of the character and makes it not only believable on screen but also commercially viable.

Vikram, actor He’s a living legend. His love for cinema shows in his work. And he’s such a perfectionist. He’s someone we all want to emulate.

Surya, actor For me, every Kamalhaasan film has been a learning experience. I am in awe of the man as he is a one-man acting course by himself.

Amitabh Bachchan Akshay Kumar together again

2007-10-16T04:40:00.000-07:00

Vipul Shah had just started shooting his new Amitabh Bachchan-Akshay Kumar
starrer Waqt when he was struck by dengue fever. He’s the third film person after Divya Dutta and Kabir Sadanand to be down with dengue. Fortunately Vipul Shah is back on his feet and back to shooting. Interestingly he has cast his talented wife Shefali Shetty (remember her as Manoj Bajpai’s fiery wife in Satya and as the victim of child abuse in Monsoon Wedding?) as AB’s wife. Giggles Akshay, “Every time I’ve to call her Maa we’d both break into giggles after the shot.” This is Akshay’s fourth film with AB. “Aren’t I lucky?” he preens.

The new powerpacked Anil Kapoor

2007-10-16T03:39:00.000-07:00

“Ican’t believe how good Anil is looking these days!” says Ram Gopal Varma who’s just back after a week’s holiday. Anil Kapoor has been shooting quietly for a new Varma thriller 2 O’Clock Murder with the unlikeliest of co-stars, Nandana Dev Sen (yup Prof Amartya Sen’s younger daughter). The film also stars the monstrously talented Boman Irani and Suchitra Krishnamurthy (Mrs Shekhar Kapur). “These are people I’ve never worked with before,” says Anil enthusiastically. Another different kind of costar for Anil is Sameera Reddy in Sanjay Gupta’s Musafir, the sexiest film of Anil’s career, which starts shooting next week. The diligent actor with an ever-renewable enthusiasm- level has been working out to acquire bulges in all the right places. Anil’s new sinewy streamlined pumped-up hair-free look which is catching a lot of eyes is essentially for the two projects with Varma and Gupta. “When you work with such director’s you’ve got to run that extra mile,” AK’s eyes crinkle up in a smile.

Dhoop stars Om Puri and Revathi

2007-10-16T02:39:00.000-07:00

“Thank God the over-19 lead pair stands a chance now,” laughs director Ashwini Bhatnagar whose cheez-badi-moist-moist Dhoop was released yesterday. After the stupendous success of Amitabh Bachchan and Hema Malini in Baghban, Dhoop brings another ambrosial autumnal couple. You just have to see how wonderful Om Puri and Revathi are as the real-life couple who battle to live with dignity after their son (Sanjay Suri) dies in Kargil. Dhoop has the potential of becoming another Baghban. Wonder why it has been released with so little fanfare. This is a film which makes you hold your head high in aesthetic and patriotic pride.

Amitabh Bachchan & Hemamalini pair together again

2007-10-16T01:46:00.000-07:00

First there was Anupam Kher and Rohini Hattangadi in Saraansh. Now there’s Amitabh Bachchan and Hema Malini in Baghban. The over-the-hill couples are over the moon. The impact that Ravi Chopra’s Baghban has made in every corner of the world is unprecedented. Says the Big B, “I’ve never seen something like this before. Little children are going home to tell their parents to see the film. The distributors are laughing all the way to the bank. The film has already raked in 3 crores in the Maharashtra territory. Overseas Baghban is an unparalleled phenomenon. In England the boxoffice takings (of around 600,000 pounds) is ready to rival Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and Chalte Chalte. And now the golden couple Amitabh Bachchan and Hema Malini will be seen together in Yash Chopra’s next, albeit in guest appearances.

Rituparno Ghosh interview: I am seen as a woman-sympathetic director’

2007-10-15T23:44:00.000-07:00

It’s hard to miss him. In designer kurta and matching churidar, Rituparno Ghosh stands out in the crowded foyer of Fame Adlabs. The Tollygunge whizkid is a bundle of nervous energy at the preview of his latest film, Chokher Bali. “I am seen as a woman-sympathetic director,” he says. Which is probably why Bollywood actresses, tired of running around trees, are making a beeline to do his Bengali films. “I don’t know,” he smiles. “I suppose they think I possess some kind of magic.”

If Bariwali brought him fame outside Kolkata, Chokher Bali has the star power of Aishwarya Rai to give his work more visibility across the country.
“Casting her certainly helped my film,” admits Ghosh, though he is quick to dismiss the Bollywood quotient in his films as a business strategy. “Kiron Kher was cast in Bariwali because Anupam produced it,” he says. “As for Chokher Bali, Aishwarya suited the role best. She’s a classical, ageless beauty.”

The former Miss World plays a widow caught in a love quadrangle in this adaptation of a 100-year old Rabindranath Tagore
novel. Ghosh is all set to roll his next film in Hindi — with Aishwarya Rai and Ajay Devgan. “Kareena was originally approached but she’s got date problems,” he says. A film in Hindi does put him in a fix. “I usually write my own screenplay and dialogues,” he points out. “In fact, a lot of the acting is embedded in my writing. And I can’t do it anymore.”

Ghosh, whose grounding in filmmaking comes from his early days in advertising, confesses to being an ardent Satyajit Ray fan. “The economy of style and brevity comes from Ray,” admits Ghosh. “And I like poetry in my films, as opposed to lyricism.” But his speciality is relationships and a deep understanding of a woman’s
psyche. “But I am not partial to women in my films,” he reasons. “Vulnerability as a subject attracts me and it’s most easily identifiable in women than men.”

However, Rituparno Ghosh is not averse to Bollywood’s larger-than-life fare. “I liked Koi Mil Gaya,” he says. “I also like Ram Gopal Varma’s films. But I can’t make such films. I am better at portraying complexities in relationships in a simple way."

Saif & Cyrus together

2007-10-15T23:34:00.000-07:00

Saif Ali Khan and Cyrus Broacha as they settle down to a game of cricket at the former’s home. The duo is preparing to show its prowess as a team for the first time to host the MTV-IMMIES (MTV’s music awards show). The show, supported by the Indian Music Industry and presented by Airtel, promises to be a heady mix of Bollywood, international and Indipop music Nitin Sonawane

Ajay Devgan, Abhishek and Vivek gell together

2007-10-15T13:17:00.000-07:00

In Kolkata there was major bonding among the male stars of Mani Ratnam’s second Hindi film. All of Mani Ratnam’s actors in Yuva converged on Kolkata last week. And when
Ajay Devgan, Abhishek and Vivek went back to the bridge where the accident had taken place Vivek squirmed in memory. But thanks to his masterprankster co-stars who kept joking about the accident, Vivek’s pain was on the wane. Bizarrely enough, Ratnam had shot a sequence where Ajay fractures his leg and has to be rushed to the hospital by Vivek! The director kept telling Ajay to recall Vivek’s responses after the accident. Incidentally, though the Tamil version of Yuva will be complete earlier, both the versions will be released simultaneously.

Nikita Anand is a die hard Shahrukh Khan fan

2007-10-15T13:07:00.000-07:00

An hour-glass figure, a flawless complexion, silky jet-black tresses and a cool as cucumber disposition — that's Sunsilk Femina Miss India Universe 2003 Nikita Anand for you. Even for someone who has known this beauty for five minutes, it doesn't take too much to understand her bindaas nature.
Looking stunning in a black Ritu Kumar saree, Nikita revealed that her sights are set on Bollywood right now. “I have already got a few offers and talks are on. I am very open to working in Bollywood, commercial films to start with,” she reveals, adding that she's a die-hard fan of Shah Rukh Khan and to work with the superstar is her ultimate dream.
With an armyman as her father, Nikita has travelled extensively throughout the country and stayed in Pune, Ranchi and Mumbai, before she settled down in Delhi about two-and-a-half years back. “Though I have travelled almost all over India, but the title gave me the chance to go abroad for work and I have learnt a lot from my experiences in various countries. Interacting with people of various cultures has broadened my horizon,” she says.

Her two-and-a-half week stint in Panama during the Miss Universe pageant is particularly special to Nikita. “Interacting with 71 other contestants from various countries was a great experience. Due to my Indian looks I got appreciated everywhere I went and I even picked up a few Spanish words. If my health condition was better, it would have been much more fun,” she reminisces.

A student of fashion designing and information technology at the National Institute of Fashion Design in Delhi, Nikita had to take a break when the Sunsilk Femina Miss India pageant came her way. “A lot about my career depends on the next six months. If I don't get into Bollywood, I will probably complete my course. It's on fashion designing, graphic designing and animation, so it has lots of scope,” she says.
Apart from modelling and designing, Nikita's other passion in life is singing. While staying in Mumbai she even used to sing for a band at a club. “Music is my life, I can't do without it,” she signs off

Dino and Sam sizzle together

2007-10-15T05:32:00.000-07:00

“The weather is really warm And Sam is looking so hot," Dino Morea sounds pretty charged. Don’t get ideas. It’s just Dino Morea and Sameera Reddy who flew off to Mauritius with cinematographer Sanjay F Gupta to shoot a sizzling song and dance for Sanjay Gupta’s Plan. "We’re having a ball," says Dino. But banish all thoughts of a romantic liaison. Dino’s heart beats only for his girlfriend. He’s almost finalised a new home and yes, marriage is on the cards, though not right away. What about recent rumours of him and Bipasha getting together again? Dino laughs so hard I fear for his lungs. "Nandi and I joked about it after it appeared. Bipasha and I parted as friends, and so we’ll remain." After the favourable reviews for Shhhhh Dino will be seen with Bipasha in a Hindu –Muslim love story Ishq Hai Tumse next month for which Himesh Reshammiya has come up with another soul -stirring score.

Salman-Katrina marrige not soon

2007-10-15T04:55:00.000-07:00

Besides this or that star doing some mythic Hollywood project or the other, the biggest joke flying around in Mumbai is Salman Khan’s illusory December marriage to the lovely Katrina Kaif. Not only have the magazines chosen the month they’ve gone trousseau hunting on the couple’s behalf. But here’s the bottom line: this Khan ain’t tying the knot in the near future. Ask him about the supposed December marriage, and Salman laughs so loud you end up feeling foolish. Right now Salman is in the best of spirits. And no pun intended. Ever since he returned from Boney Kapoor’s No Entry in Capetown, Salman has cut down drastically on his drinks . That’s what Boney’s films do: they have a sobering effect on those involved. As his Bajirao Mastani co-star Kareena puts it, "He’s looking smashing. Salman is like a lion straining at the cage. He goes through these phases when he doesn’t care a damn about anything. Right now it’s payback time and he’s going to sweep all the competition under the carpet."

Amitabh Bachchan interview: ‘Why not use one’s celebrity status for a good cause?’

2007-10-15T04:10:00.000-07:00

How did your involvement with UNICEF begin?
It’s been nearly a year since I’ve been involved with the pulse polio immunisation programme. I was moved when I saw pictures of prominent people attending camps, encouraging people to immunise children against polio. So when UNICEF approached me, I readily agreed. And from I’ve been told, the polio immunisation campaign has been highly successful with large turnouts at vaccination camps. Polio eradication is a very needy cause for India.
How will you be able to make a difference to the lives of children, not just here but also globally?
It’s up to UNICEF to decide the area of work. I believe there are several pockets in UP which require immediate attention. Obviously, if they choose to send me to places like Bosnia, Kosovo, or somewhere else it will be of no use for people won’t listen to me. India and maybe the Middle East are places I should be able to help.
Will you be able to do justice to the job given your acting commitments?
Initially I was apprehensive for I really don’t have the time. But things have been sorted out with them and planned accordingly.
You now join the likes of Audrey Hepburn, Roger Moore, Harry Belafonte.
I’m extremely honoured to become a goodwill ambassador for UNICEF. Several prominent people have served in the post before me and as an Indian as well as a member of the film fraternity I feel proud to be entrusted with the task.
Shouldn’t there be increased participation of celebrities over matters of social concern?
Definitely. Our film fraternity has always come forward when it comes to social awareness. If one has been bestowed with a celebrity status, why not use it for a cause? I have been part of several such causes like HIV, breast cancer.

Speed: Manoj Bajpai in quest for challenging roles

2007-10-15T02:36:00.000-07:00

The journey from Betia, a remote village in Bihar, to Bollywood is not a smooth ride at the best of times. And for somebody without a ticket issued by star parents and showbiz godfathers, this journey is indeed a bumpy one. Today, Manoj Bajpai has completed the journey. But, as the man himself insists, he still has miles to go before he reaches the destination he has in mind.

“My focus is always on challenging roles - roles which offer me the chance to grow as an actor,” says Manoj, “So the role went to Shah Rukh Khan. Moreover, I would like to play Karan of the Mahabharata some day,” he says.

Diplomatic when it comes to discussing his co-stars, Manoj reiterates that work means everything to him. “I am comfortable working with everybody and have no favourites. As an actor, I give it my all and try to do my job to my director's satisfaction.”

This man doesn't believe in taking shortcuts in life. Having risen through the ranks to find his own place under the sun, success hasn't been handed to this actor on a platter. But then, success always tastes sweet when it comes after bitter struggle. Manoj Bajpai smiles in response - no, he's not acting.

What the hack, it’s mobile phones now

2007-10-15T01:59:00.000-07:00

For computer-hackers and virus writers, the next frontier in mischief is the cellphone. And the possibilities include a cellphone virus or Trojan horse programme instructing handsets to forward the cellphone-user’s personal address book to others, eating into a cellphone’s operating software and erasing personal information.

Fiction? Well, such incidents are already dogging Japan and Europe.

“Mobilephone hacking is a reality. There is every chance of mobilephone hacking having entered India with cases going unreported,” says cyber-law expert Pavan Duggal, “Even as cellphone networks become increasingly sophisticated, there is a simultaneous increase in the number of points within wi-fi networks which can be broken into. India will definitely hear of cellphone-hacking cases by next year.” Buy a cellphone, get a hacker free. “If a malicious code gets control of your cellphone, it can toll numbers, receive your messages and send them elsewhere,” explains Dinesh Shandliya, software-security expert and “ethical hacker”. “Wireless architecture suffers from all the vulnerabilities of Internet architecture. As cellular phones morph into computer-like smartphones able to surf the web, send e-mail and download software, they are prone to the same tribulations which have waylaid computers.”

According to Section 66 of India’s IT Act, anybody found hacking
a mobile network is liable to face imprisonment of three years and pay a fine of Rs 2 lakh. “Still,” points out Duggal, “loopholes allow hackers to use just about anybody’s Internet protocol to break into a network. So, it is difficult to track down the guilty.” Warning bells toll for cells. No phoney talk this,

How about some anger management? Naomi Campbel and Mike Tyson have gone through it. Do we need it too?

2007-10-15T01:13:00.000-07:00

How about some anger management?
Naomi Campbel and Mike Tyson have gone through it. Do we need it too?

than smoking," says Dr Parikh. It can do more harm to the person afflicted by it than the one on whom it’s targeted.
"It leads to pschosomatic illnesses too,” he says. According to Dr Shetty, it throws the entire biochemistry of the body out of gear.

"The adrenaline increases pulse rate leading to a rise in blood pressure. Excess glucose is broken down by the lever and breathing becomes frequent, thus destroying the biochemistry. Nerve transmitters get disturbed, inducing fear, agitation, sadness, lack of sleep, acidity, loss of appetite for food and sex, acidity and irregular menstrual cycle in In the movie Anger Management running for the third week in the city, an otherwise mild-mannered Adam Sandler gets into a spat aboard an airplane, and the judge promptly sends him to an anger management therapist (Jack Nicholson).
In the real world, celebs notorious for their temper tantrums and aggressive behaviours, like Naomi Campbel and Mark Tyson have undergone therapies to get a handle on their erratic mood. In the recent times, the city has witnessed some ugly displays of rage. Adam Sandler and Jack Nicholson So, is it time for Mumbaiites to go Anger Management for some anger management?
"But it’s mostly a Western concept," says psychiatrist Harish Shetty. "There they work on symptoms. Anger is a symptom, it’s not an ailment. Their philosophy of treatment is reductionist, where as ours is holistic. So, it may not work here."
Concurs Dr Rajesh Parikh, Honorary Neuropsychiatrist, Jaslok Hospital & Research Centre. "Anger management frequently forms an integral part of stress management, because one of the commonest causative factors in the genesis of stress is inappropriate handling of anger." However, they both agree, there is a need to manage anger in a holistic way as it has complex effects on the mind and body. “For the heart, it can be even more dangerous women," explains Dr Shetty.

Dr Parikh believes that learning how to manage anger is necessary not just for social reasons but also for health reasons. “Children should be taught in school how to manage anger effectively. When our three children were studying in Boston, they had regular classes in anger management and conflict resolution.” Dr Shetty however feels that anger management sans holistic management is all bunkum. “Since anger is just a symptom, we first have to treat the cause. A change in lifestyle is a must. All forms of meditation methods, deep breathing, pranayama, shavasana, music can help soothe tempers. These are, however, not antidotes.”

Lets talk with Vasundhara Das

2007-10-14T23:30:00.000-07:00

‘Women shouldn’t take things lying down’
Vasundhara Das gets into serious cinema mode with her latest role in Tanuja Chandra’s Filmstar

What is your role in Tanuja Chandra's Filmstar?

I play a character who, after being abused by her husband, goes on to kill him. I have known several women in real life who are exploited but never manage to come out. They suffer all the time. My character in the film is pretty extreme and she goes to jail. Playing such a role made me introspect and think hard about what woman should do if they face such situations.

What do you think they should do?

A friend of mine had a domestic help who was beaten up by her husband during pregnancy. This exploitation doesn't just happen among the illiterate. Even educated women are subject to both mental and physical abuse. After a point I drew a blank thinking what a woman can actually do. The government talks of equal rights to men and women. It's all about the power issue. But at the end of the day, women shouldn't take things lying down. They have the voice to protest and should exercise their rights.

Did you do the playback for the film as well?
No. The film has a very sweet bhajan. But I haven't sung it.

What are your other film projects?
Right now I am working in a Malayalam film titled, Vajram. It's about an actress who gets to encounter the darker side of the industry. I'll start working on an issue based film by Prakash Pelawudi. The film is inspired by real life.

No crackers for Vivek this Diwali

2007-10-14T22:50:00.000-07:00

Vivek Oberoi may have been in the news for all the wrong reasons of late, but the actor’s heart is in the right place – you can take that from us. When he learnt that child labour was being used to produce firecrackers, he denounced the use of crackers at a press conference launched by the UP Police recently in Lucknow. He also pointed out that if one took into account the total number of crackers burst during Diwali, it would amount to a phenomenal Rs 3,000 crore, which could be used more sensibly to eradicate poverty. Well said, Vivek!

Twinkle Khanna interview

2007-10-14T22:30:00.000-07:00

You’ve opened your new interior-decorations store. Wouldn’t it be an added burden for you?

Quite the opposite. Now that I’ve moved the store from town to Juhu, I find it much easier to be at my workplace and look after my family. In any case Aarav and Akshay will always be my priority. Of course the store is also my baby. I really worked hard to see it come through. Like everything else in my life, it just happened. I wanted to open a 500-squarefeet store. It transformed into a 3000-squarefeet dream come true. I guess I’m lucky, touchwood. I’m one of those fortunate few who go with the flow and find their true goals without searching.

How supportive has Akshay been of your business endeavour?

Unbelievably supportive. If I’m doing well as an entrepreneur, it’s only because he’s always there to help me. As a husband, I give him 10 out of 10. My sister Rinke called from London to say how lucky I am.

Everything has fallen into place for you.

Has it? I guess it has. I always paid more attention to spaces than other things. Interior designing is the only job option I’ve known besides acting. I’ve always enjoyed making things, whether blankets, candles or homes. When I was 16, I served as an assistant to a interior decorator. I went on to become an actress which I never quite enjoyed. I was one of the few truly un-ambitious actresses of my generation(laughs).

So you never enjoyed acting?
Acting was fun and lucrative. But not a passion. I found life as an actress very lonely. I had nothing in common with the people I worked with. And how many books could I read? The first opportunity I had to quit, I did. I signed two films after marriage, one with my husband, and I did everything possible to wriggle out of them. How was I to know that I’d go back to my favourite passion after so much happened in my life? I now believe in destiny.

Cynics in the industry had given your marriage 3 months.
And now it’s 3 years. I don’t give a damn about other people’s expectations. My marriage is working today. It may not work tomorrow. Success or failure, we work as a couple because of us and not the outside world.

But they never spoke cheaply about you.
Yeah. But I was linked with people whom I had nothing to do with. That didn’t bother me. But recently they wrote that my 10-month old son was looking at women’s cleavage. That really pissed me off. If they can’t spare my child then I guess there’s nothing more to say.

How will you juggle home and work?
It won’t be a problem. I love working. I’ve been doing it since 16.For me my son is first priority. If he needs me I’ll drop everything and run. I often take Aarav to work. My work is often done in my house while he plays in a corner. I’ve a very casual approach to my profession. I don’t lead a segregated life.

Salman Khan for a cause: Costliest tie

2007-10-14T22:26:00.001-07:00

Salman Khan was all dressed up for a change! Departing from his trademark bare chest, King Khan paraded in a suit, and dark glares (? at 9:30 pm?) and a Rs one crore diamond studded tie, courtesy Satya Paul. He wasn’t the only one at Culturalties, at the Taj poolside, Wednesday night. The lively event had the city’s assorted biz citizenry, cool dudes, movie stars and others walk the ramp wearing art inspired ties in aid of charity (which charities wasn’t quite clear to audience members though. Some were overheard asking each other). Leander Paes, back with a bang to mucho audience appreciation, got a round of claps. So did Jehangir Sabavala, Anupam Kher, Atul Ruia, Akshay Kilachand, Jamal Mecklai, Harsha Bhogle, Manish Malhotra... Each displayed his outfit with refreshing flamboyance, so different from regular stone faced catwalkers. Fond wife Juhi videocamed her husband Jai Mehta, as appreciative onlookers hooted in glee at impromptu theatrics on the red carpet ramp. Mumbai clearly enjoyed the evening!

Disaster management should be an all-hazards approach’

2007-10-14T22:26:00.000-07:00

When disaster strikes, it spares no one. Not even disaster specialists. Deployed in Iraq during the recent war, emergency medicine expert Dr Rob Russell (37) had least expected to be fired upon by American forces. “It was an unfortunate incident for the soldiers had mistaken us for somebody else. Thankfully, no one was hurt,” recalls Russell, lead clinician and consultant in emergency medicine at the Ministry of Defence Hospital Unit, Peterborough District Hospital, who’s in India to conduct workshops on trauma care and disaster management.

“The trauma care unit at LTMG Hospital is impressive, but it is far too big if one considers the town in which I work,” he laughs. “But then the requirements here are very different.” Having taken a liking to emergency medicine back in the ’90s after attending to victims of a helicopter crash while working with the Royal Scots in Northern Ireland, Russell chose to specialise in it. Besides, the challenges of the job beckoned him. “As a specialist in medicine, my work involves treating patients who have got their fingers pressed in the door to bomb blast victims,” he explains.

Given the fast changing scenario with terrorism and various natural disasters occurring with increased frequency, Russell feels the need for more preparedness. “Emergency medicine and disaster management are fairly novel concepts but the pace in which things are happening, there should be a certain level of readiness to be able to effectively deal with the situation,” he says. “It should be an all-hazards approach which allows one to plan and react. And that is why the basic principles should be made aware to all and then they should go on to make the necessary modifications.”

However, he is careful not to put in place a definitive disaster management blueprint for Mumbai. “It’s difficult for me to design a programme for a city like Mumbai for the ground realities here are very different from where I work. The organisation concerned should take up what it likes and establish the necessary infrastructure.”

Silken voice Like everything else there is good and bad art, says Hariharan

2007-10-14T22:01:00.000-07:00

We've watched him on television, heard his soulful music on movie soundtracks, but nothing could prepare us for Hariharan's voice on the telephone. Almost melodious in intonation with soft lilts punctuating every line, he speaks, hesitantly first and then warming up to subjects close to his heart. Today, the musician who started singing ghazals as far back as the late seventies, is doing playback singing for Tamil, Telugu and Kannada films. He has also completed a ghazal album, in a genre of music which he likes to call Urdu Blues. “Music is a reflection of society," he says. "It is an art form and I believe, like everything else there is good and bad art." Hariharan admits that there is a lot of mediocrity in the industry today. "People are not into serious music anymore," he says ruefully. "It is not an absence of real talent. It's just that people have got used to electronic sounds and acoustics are now outdated." As for the remix craze these days, he believes that it is good if an old melody is given new life. "But everything depends on whether a song is tastefully done. Music today is all about attitude, not talent." Another great enemy of the times, according to Hariharan is the download option available on many computers. "Why would people go and buy music when they can download 1000 songs in a couple of hours?" he asks. When he is not singing or composing music, Hariharan loves watching movies, following football games and enjoying good company, in that order. An artiste, according to him, can only be successful if he gives 100 per cent of himself into a song. "You have to be emotive, only then can you touch people." As for the future, Hariharan is determined to go global. "I also want to do a lot of crossover music," he adds.

It’s time for all play and no work Deepa Gahlot takes a close look at the annual Prithvi Theatre Festival

2007-10-14T21:54:00.000-07:00

The annual Prithvi Theatre Festival is an event to look forward to in any case, but when it also coincides with the 25th anniversary of the theatre, there is a dash of extra excitement to the celebrations.

Twenty-five years ago, on November 5, 1978, Prithvi Theatre had been inaugurated with a minimum of fuss and hardly any media racket with a performance of G P Deshpande’s Uddhwasta Dharmashala by the Mumbai group Majma, started by a group of National School of Drama graduates, including Om Puri and Naseeruddin Shah. (Shah’s production of Kahlil Gibran’s The Prophet will be the closing show of this festival, if it is ready by then.)

Now supporters like Orange and ICICI bank help Sanjna Kapoor (who said tongue-in-cheek that they have a Faustian tendency of taking away the souls of the people who associate with them) and her band of dedicated volunteers put together a festival (November 1-12) that gives Mumbai audiences a glimpse of the Theatre of India. As Divya Bhatia, who has been co-director or many a past festival says, if anyone can manage to watch all the plays, it will give them an idea of what Indian theatre is about.

Planning for this festival started almost three years ago, when Divya and others travelled all over the country to select “quality theatre.” Groups from several states, plays in many languages and styles and other venues — school halls, the Carter Road Promenade, Horniman Circle Garden and even a Juhu disco Razzberry Rhinoceros selected to spread the excitement all around.

Besides the regular plays – some old favorites (like Macchindra Kambli’s Vastraharan and Manoj Shah’s Master Phoolmani, some reworked for the festival (like Veenapani Chawla’s Brhannala and Maya Rao’s A Deeper Fried Jam), there will be platform performances, street theatre, workshops, discussions and interactive sessions with theatre practitioners.

Twenty-five years is a long time for a theatre to survive without compromising on its original aim of promoting good theatre in the city.

Today, if it is impossible to imagine Mumbai’s cultural scene without Prithvi Theatre, we have Shashi and Jennifer Kapoor to thank, who built this little gem of a theatre to fulfill the dream of Prithviraj Kapoor and Geoffrey Kendal, who gave their lives to theatre.

The ‘K’ factor in Bollywood

2007-10-14T21:47:00.000-07:00

There’s been a lot of talent coming from the ‘K’s’ in Bollywood. Kareena, Karisma, Anil Kapoor and more…The young Kapoor gal – Kareena will be featuring with the youngest of the Kapoor men – Shahid in two big projects. One is Ken Ghosh’s next project and there are more in the pipeline. In the meanwhile her performance in Chameli being directed by Sudhir Mishra is quite talked about by her co-star – Rahul Bose.

Giving the look

2007-10-14T12:09:00.000-07:00

The Popstars — Aasma, have had the experts helping them with every aspect of their professional lives. Adding that extra touch of glamour to their image is Chhaya Momaya who had a rigorous twomonth grooming session with them. They learned to mind their ps and qs, tell their fish forks from their cheese forks, and apart from social graces, they also got tips on personal styling and what would look best for their individual personalities. “They are such quick learners,” says Chhaya, who also helped them undertake selfawareness exercises.

"The most important lesson for them was to learn to not let stardom affect them, and to remember the values they set out with." Chhaya who has been in the field of grooming for some time says, "It’s the little things that make the complete look.You don’t need designer labels or lots of make up to look good. Just a clean, neat, well-ironed outfit, set off by a suitable hairstyle can make you look fabulous." She stresses on the need for fitness. "Fitness is very important. Apart from doing the right exercises, it’s imperative that you listen to your body. Understand how different foods and exercises affect it and then accordingly chalk out a suitable exercise and diet regimen for yourself."

Bhool Bhulaiya exclusive pictures

2007-10-12T10:00:00.001-07:00

Vikram Bhat comfortable with fresh faces than established stars

2007-10-11T08:32:00.000-07:00

Vikram Bhatt does not like shooting with established stars in his movies. Why not, after all stars throw tantrums, and their price also takes the total cost of the movie up. So, its better you get your film made by newcomers, who are more dedicated and can to any extent (??) to grab a role or two in bollywood.

Take for example his latest movie, Speed, shooting for which is completed and waiting for release. Take a look at its star cast:

A poor man multi starer, Speed features stars like Urmila Matondkar, Zayed Khan, Tanushree Dutta, Amrita Arora, Aaftab Shivdasani, Sanjay Suri, Sophiya Chaudhary, Aashish Chaudhary. Not an ideal new comer movie, you would say.

His previous movie Life Mein Kabhie Kabhie was however almost newcomers' movie. Take a look. The film was not a hit but it recovered its money due to its low budget.

Anjori Alagh
Nitika Anand
Usha Bachani
Mohnish Bahl
Rajat Bedi
Nauheed Cyrusi
Sammir Dattani
Smita Hai
Amin Hajee
Pinky Harwani
Mushtaq Khan
Dino Morea
Koel Purie
Anuj Sawhney
Yashpal Sharma
Aaftab Shivdasani
Rajendranath Zutshi

Sushmita Sen firstime gets haircut in India

2007-10-11T07:16:00.000-07:00

After receiving her Miss Universe crown in 1994, Sushmita Sen never got her hair cut in India. She always had her hair styled in New York. But for the first time now, Sush stayed back in home and had hair cut from Perri Patel. Peri Patel is a famous hairstylist in Mumbai. Sushmita was comfortable with Perri. Perri Patel was astonished when she got a call from Sushmita Sen's office.

While describing the hair cutting experience Perri Patel says that, "I have given Sushmita a disconnected crown cut. Its kind of slice from the center to the hairline to form spiral layers." A brand new look for Sush baby was born.

Perri who has salon to himself shut it down and freelancing currently. He has just completed styling for Cash and has returned from Cap Town where Cash was largely shoot. He is also doing Ajay Devgan Kajol starer U, Me Aur Hum.

Adnan Swami in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's next

2007-10-10T10:53:00.000-07:00

There was some whispers in the industry that Adnan Swami will be launched as hero, but no one imagined Adnan will be working as hero for Sanjay Leela Bhansali-Bhushan Kumar joint production. The movie will be directed by Sanjay's sister Bela Saigal.

Unconfirmed reports say that the movie will be a romantic musical and the leading lady is yet to be decided. Well, I think slecting a leading lady will not be difficult, after all hoards of Bollywood heroines have worked with Adnan Swami.

Bhushn Kumar informed that the official announcement will be made in few weeks time after legal formalities are over. The shooting will start early next year.

The new look mystery is solved.

Aashish Chaudhary signs Easy Monthly Installments with Popkorn Motion Pictures

2007-10-10T09:30:00.001-07:00

After a hilarious performance in Dhamaal, Aashish Chaudhary has signed not one or two but a three film deal with Suniel Shetty (or Sunil Shetty) production house, Popkorn Motion Pictures. Saurav Kadra will direct his first movie Easy Monthly Installments for Suniel which will star along with Ashish, Sanjay Dutt, Urmila Matonkar, and Arjun Rampal.

Is Ashish Suniel Shetty's favorite actor? If you remember Suniel Shetty wanted to sign the Delhi guy in his first ever production called Khel, later he settled for another Delhi man, former Indian cricketer, Ajay Jadeja.

Excited Ashish says

It will be great fun to work with Popkorn Motion Pictures, and ‘Anna’ (Suniel) has made it pretty clear that I am in the film. It is like a dream come true for me to have a deal signed with his production banner. Suniel has been a part of my first film Qayamat and since then we share a great relationship and he has always been there for me.

Aashish Chaudhary filmography

Kabhi Bhi Kahin Bhi (2007)
Dhamaal (2007)
Speed (2007)
Teesri Aankh (2006)
Kisse Pyaar Karoon (2005)
The White Land (2005)
Let's Enjoy (2004)
Shaadi Ka Laddoo (2004)
Humko Ishq Ne Mara (1997)

Aashish Chaudhary signs Easy Monthly Installments with Popkorn Motion Pictures

2007-10-10T09:30:00.000-07:00

It will be great fun to work with Popkorn Motion Pictures, and ‘Anna’ (Suniel) has made it pretty clear that I am in the film. It is like a dream come true for me to have a deal signed with his production banner. Suniel has been a part of my first film Qayamat and since then we share a great relationship and he has always been there for me.

Krrish 3 villain more powerful than Hrithik Roshan

2007-10-10T09:25:00.000-07:00

Hrithik Roshan's papa Rakesh Roshan is working double hard and leaving no stones unturned to make Krrish 3 a super successful film. In this endeavor he will make the villain the of the movie even stronger than the hero, Hrithik himself. He says, the anti hero will be as powerful (or more, that brings sympathy and also makes you sit on the edge during last reels of the movie) as the hero.

So, it will be an interesting thing to watch a super natural hero taking on another more super powerful villain.

With the budget of the movie, Rakesh Roshan is candid and says an Indian production house can not match Spiderman series budgets, But he promises, if Spiderman3 has 10 super packed action scenes, he will include may be less in number, two or three, but with equal effect.

Why not, Spiderman after all does not have scope of inserting music, comedy, sentimental scenes etc into it, our Bollywood movies have.

Rahul Bose: Different strokes

2003-12-04T12:55:00.000-08:00

The other day, a television programme captured Rahul Bose’s different facets. A peek into Rahul’s personality through the show, revealed that how much of an actor he can be. Specially when he disguised himself as a maid servant and served his brother-in-law, and the latter couldn’t recognise him. That’s the stuff actors are made of. Of late, Rahul is awaiting a few releases. A short 10-minute film titled The Fall directed by Sudip Bandhopadhyay, and jointly written by Rajnish Lall, is something Rahul is looking forward to. It’s a short tale of love, and the magic according to the director lies in the narration. The story that could be communicated over two hours has been captured in crisp 10 minutes, and was shot in just one shift, within a budget of just Rs 70,000. The music is by Sandeep Chowta, and it also stars Nauhid Cyrusi. The cinematographer Vishal Sinha, has earlier shot films like Bhoot, Darna Mana Hai and the soon to be released Ab Tak Chappan.

Changing the formula with Bips

2003-12-04T12:09:00.000-08:00

Bollywood has always been ruled by stars who would rather stick to the usual hero roles than experiment as actors. But the tide seems to be changing recently, specially after Ajay Devgan played the don in Company. Thereafter a spate of actors, treaded the grey area successfully. Now, once again, we get to see actors like Ajay in Khakee ) Abhishek Bachchan in Yuva, and John Abraham in Aeetbaar and Dino Morea in Rakth amongst others willing to challenge their acting prowess. “It opens a whole lot of new horizons for the actor. Playing righteous characters gets stagnating for performers,” says Dino, who plays a wife-beating husband in the film. John, however is excited that he is exploring a wide range of roles these days. And three of them are with girlfriend Bipasha. One of them is of course, visually similar to their much criticised Jism . Not that the actors care. Once again, they are trying to ignite the passion in a film called Mumkin. Hope the fire doesn’t flicker!

Yana Gupta— the fitness freak

2003-12-04T11:38:00.000-08:00

Yana Gupta is in love with working-out. A fitness freak she hates to miss out on her sessions with her personal trainer Craig Scott and is very calorie conscious. When on tour, she is all the more determined to burning calories. It’s no wonder then that this Czech beauty loves to burn the dance floor. Her item number from Dum ‘Babuji’ is a craze whenever she has been on stage both in India and abroad. Another one in Rakht will hit the silver screen in January and Yana is on the look out for more. “I really want to do something good and to find something good it takes time. I am looking for good item numbers and it’s difficult to find one. For me the music has to be right, the song has to be so good that I would want to listen to it for a hundred times.” So does that mean a 100 items numbers? “Are you mad,” she laughs. “I’m not interested in quantity. I’ll get bored by then.” Talking of boredom, she explains that this is precisely the reason why she has cut down on ads and ramp shows. “It’s very, very boring in comparison to stage. I kind of prefer to be more alive. The shoots sometimes can get too long, but yes, if an interesting client comes along, why not?” Coming back to the item numbers, Yana explains that the banner, star cast or the director of the film does not matter to her when it comes to her selection. “The song has to be great.”

Diana Hayden Wallpaper Picture Photo Picture

2003-12-04T00:29:00.000-08:00

Leading ladies have a ball

2003-12-03T11:55:00.000-08:00

Debutant director Srinivas Bhashayam’s Paisa Vasool opening on December 19 will be the ultimate chick flick with Manisha Koirala whooping it up with Sushmita Sen in a girls-just-wanna-have-fun mould. Director Bhayasham unhesitatingly describes his two leading ladies as the “heroes” of the film. While the men brawl, the ladies were meant to bawl. But sorry, for now the leading ladies are having a ball. From a daughter who can’t forgive her mother for pursuing a career in Khalid Mohamed’s Tehzeeb, to two room-mates who get caught in a crime budge in Srinivas Bhashayam’s Paisa Vasool, to a middle-class girl who gets trapped in a no-win situation in Sriram Raghavan’s Ek Haseena Thi, to a prostitute who helps a repressed man exorcise his heart of his demons in Sudhir Mishra’s Chameli… the marquee maharanis of moviedom are out to score over their male counterparts in Dec-Jan. Even this week’s release Kal H o Na Ho is in some ways a ladies’ film with Jaya Bachchan, her screen-daughter Preity Zinta and the all-female household forming a large part of the story. Between them, Jaya and Preity Zinta hold up the show splendidly. “I felt I was with my own daughter Shweta,” says Jaya.

Urmila’s year out

2003-12-03T11:16:00.000-08:00

The year 2003 is undoubtedly the year of the Devgan dude and Mademoiselle Matondkar. After two totally contrasting back-to-back performances in Bhoot and Pinjar she was all set to appear in two films during the next fortnight, first as a sullen daughter in Khalid Mohamed’s Tehzeeb and then as a victim of a demoniacal deception in debutant

Shriram Raghavan’s Ek Haseena Thi. Earlier the Haseena producer Ram Gopal Varma was adamant on a December 19 release , even if two Urmila starrers in two weeks would’ve been too much to take. But now he has agreed to shift his film to January. What made him change his mind? Just the unavailability of a good chain chain of theatres? The one most relieved is Urmila. “Imagine losing my audiences for one film to another!” While in Tehzeeb she shares the limelight with the formidable Shabana, in Ek Haseena Thi the spotlight shines completely on Urmila. Post-Pinjar India’s goodwill ambassadress flies to Pakistan on December 8 to shoot a music video with Prahlad Kakkar.