Sunday, December 20, 2009

Preview of ‘3 Idiots’

Entertaining and insightful comedy

Cast: Aamir Khan, Kareena Kapoor, R Madhavan, Sharman Joshi, Boman Irani

Director: Rajkumar Hirani

Producer: Vidhu Vinod Chopra

Release date: December 25, 2009

Two friends (Madhavan and Sharman Joshi) embark on a quest for a lost buddy. On this journey, they encounter a long forgotten bet, a wedding they must crash and a funeral that goes impossibly out of control.

As they make their way through the perilous landscape, another journey begins: their inner journey through memory lane and the story of their friend- the irrepressible free-thinker Rancho (Aamir Khan), who in his unique way, touched and changed their lives.

It's a story of their hostel days that swings between rancho's romance with the spirited Pia (Kareena Kapoor), and his clash with and oppressive mentor, Viru Sahastrabudhhe (Boman Irani). And then one day, suddenly, Rancho vanishes...

Who was he? Where did he come from? Why did he leave?

The friend who influenced and inspired them to think creatively and independently, even as the conformist world called them three idiots. Where is the original idiot now?

Finally, in misty mountains of unparalleled beauty, they find the key to the secret.

‘3 Idiots’ is comedy of ideas that is a provocative as it is funny, as wildly entertaining as it is insightful. A laugh-riot that talks about the most important of human pursuits: self-actualisation.



post by masala.com

'My Name Is Khan' not about terrorism, says Karan Johar

Shah Rukh finds it very different from director’s previous films

Putting speculations to rest, director-producer Karan Johar said that his forthcoming film "My Name Is Khan", that has Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol in main leads, has nothing to do with terrorism.

"'My Name is Khan' has nothing to do with terrorism. It is not a terrorism-based plot at all. It is a humanitarian tale about love and sacrifice," Karan told reporters after unveiling the first look of "My Name Is Khan" at JW Marriot Hotel in Mumbai on Wednesday (Dec 16).

The film's story revolves around Rizwan Khan (Shah Rukh) who suffers from Asperger syndrome, a form of autism. Rizwan falls in love with a single mother Mandira (Kajol) who lives in San Francisco. Rizwan is detained by authorities at Los Angeles International Airport, mistaking his disability for "suspicious" behaviour.

"It is about overcoming a phase, it is about triumph of the human spirit," said Karan.

Shah Rukh and Karan's last outing together "Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna" (2006) couldn't spell magic at the box office.

But the superstar seems to be pretty impressed with Karan's work in "My Name Is Khan" and said that the film is the ultimate evolution of the director's work.

"I have worked with Karan in his first film ('Kuch Kuch Hota Hai') and has been with him all through his journey. I think 'My Name Is Khan' is his ultimate evolution," said Shah Rukh.

"In this film, the way Karan has touched upon the scenes and sequences, it is very different from his all previous films," he added.

The film is slated to release on Feb 12 next year.



post by masala.com

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Rewind 2009: A bad year for Bollywood

Producers’ strike, swine flu, IPL and general elections led to losses

'Blue' was one of the several big budget flops of 2009
'Blue' was one of the several big budget flops of 2009
The Hindi film industry never had it so bad. Recession, a producer-multiplex strike, and a string of duds led to one of the worst years for Bollywood. Experts say it suffered a loss of about Rs.700 crore (Rs.7 billion) in 2009.

"2009 has been a disastrous year for the Hindi film industry. We've had everything, from swine flu, cricket matches, elections to a strike against the industry this time," trade analyst Taran Adarsh told IANS over phone from Mumbai.

"And then we had major flops like 'Chandni Chowk To China', 'Aladin' and 'Kurbaan' to name a few. People have lost almost 75-100 percent for a movie. Though the actual losses cannot be accounted, it is huge and more than Rs.500-700 crore," he added.

Film critic Omar Qureshi echoed the same.

"It has been one of the bad years. Unfortunately, some of the big movies failed this year. Even Diwali, when we release the biggest movies of the year, was such a disappointment with failures in 'Blue' and 'Main Aurr Mrs. Khanna'."

The year started with not-so-happening movies like "The President Is Coming", "Bad Luck Govind", "Kaashh...Mere Hote" - none of them could ignite the box office.

It was followed by massively promoted big budgets like Warner Bros co-production - Rs. 51-crore "Chandni Chowk To China", Shah Rukh Khan's home production, the Rs.23 crore "Billu", and UTV's Rs.45 crore "Delhi 6" - all of them failed at the ticket window.

So far 120-odd films have released, but hits are few and far between. Movies that made business include low-budget ones like "Raaz - The Mystery Continues", "Dev D", "13 B", "Phoonk", "New York", "Wake Up Sid", "Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani".

Big-starrer and big-budget films like "Love Aaj Kal", "Kaminey", "Wanted", "All The Best", and "De Dana Dan" too clicked at the box office.

Films like "Luck By Chance", "Firaaq", "Gulaal" and "Quick Gun Murugun" couldn't get the cash registers ringing, but received appreciation from audiences and critics alike.

The first few months were spent reeling under recession. Then came another blow in the form of the film producers-distributors' tussle with multiplexes over revenue sharing. It led to a two-month strike - from April 4 to June 5 - and witnessed a virtual drought of movies. During that period, gap fillers like "Coffee House", "99", "Suno Na" and "Detective Naani" were released.

As soon as the strike got over, IPL matches and elections started, leading to low footfalls in theatres.

Bollywood events also took a nose dive in the wake of swine flu which led to the closing of cinema halls temporarily as well as cancellation of shootings.

"The year has been a tough one because of a couple of reasons. First, for three months there were no releases which caused a dent and a lot of movies bunched up that further ate one another's revenues. Then, because of the abundance of movies, audiences declined," Siddharth Roy Kapur, CEO of UTV Motion Pictures, told IANS over phone from Mumbai.

Adarsh, however, felt "the two main reasons for the industry's debacle this year have been the remuneration of actors and corporates that acquired movies at exorbitant prices, leading to doomsday."

"The costing this year was the biggest spoilsport. It was so huge that it ruined the industry. The industry was thrown to the lions because of actors' fees and it was very difficult for the producers to recover the investments," he said.

Most big-budget films received tremendous openings courtesy round the clock promotions but fell flat at the box office.

Some of them were "8X10 Tasveer", "Kal Kissne Dekha", "Kambakkht Ishq", "Luck", "Dil Bole Hadippa", "What's Your Raashee?", "Do Knot Disturb", "Blue", "Main Aurr Mrs. Khanna", "London Dreams", "Aladin" and "Kurbaan".

Bollywood now awaits the much-talked about "3 Idiots", which is releasing on Dec 25. Trade pundits hope that the Aamir Khan-starrer repeats the same success story that "Ghajini" created when it was released last year on the same day.

They also suggest some revival strategy in the new year.

Qureshi said: "We must look at reinventing scripts with a good story and a good star cast. You cannot insult the audience now and take them for granted. You have to make intelligent movies. Look at a very intelligent stupid movie 'Ajab Prem Ki Gazab Kahani' that worked wonders."

Said Roy Kapoor, "2010 should be high on creativity and hope the production costs come down and a model is developed that is more effective than it was ever before."

post by masala.com

'My Name Is Khan' to screen at Berlin film festival

Exclusive first-look trailer of film will air on STAR TV tonight

The latest Shah Rukh Khan-Kajol film "My Name Is Khan" has been selected to screen at the 60th annual Berlin International Film Festival, next year, according to the festival organisers.

Directed by Karan Johar and set in the US, "My Name Is Khan" will screen at one of the oldest and most respected film festivals in the world and in a country that has a growing appetite for Indian cinema.

The Berlin International Film Festival runs from Feb 11 to 21, 2010 and will host premieres from top filmmakers from dozens of countries including the world premiere of Martin Scorsese's next film "Shutter Island" starring Leonardo DiCaprio.

Both Johar and Scorsese will be debuting their fourth feature films with actors Khan and DiCaprio, respectively.

"The Competition of the 60th anniversary Berlinale will be marked by a mix of styles and genres, by exciting newcomers and renowned directors," says festival director Dieter Kosslick.

"My Name Is Khan" is set to be released in theatres in India and over 40 countries including the US, Canada, Britain, Australia, New Zealand and the Middle East on Feb 12 on Valentine's Day weekend.

In North America, it will be released by Fox Searchlight Pictures which previously released "The Namesake", "Bend It Like Beckham", "Water", and "Slumdog Millionaire".

An exclusive first-look trailer for "My Name Is Khan" will air on STAR TV on Wednesday (Oct 16), at 10:00 p.m. IST and will then be beamed across 70 countries worldwide.

In the film, Shah Rukh stars as Rizvan Khan, an unconventional hero who embarks on an incredible journey across America in order to win back the love of his life. Along the way his unique brand of goodness and humanity touches the lives of many and inspires a nation.

"My Name Is Khan" reunites Shah Rukh, named by Time magazine as "the world's biggest movie star", and Kajol for the first time in eight years. They were last seen together in "Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham" (2001).

They have previously starred in five films together, including "Kuch Kuch Hota Hai" and "Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge", all of which were blockbuster hits that established the pair as Bollywood's hottest on-screen couple.

The film also marks a re-teaming of Karan Johar and Shah Rukh Khan, who most recently collaborated three years ago on "Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna" (2006).

Over the years, Karan and Shah Rukh have enjoyed an unbelievable run at the box office, working together on such hit films as "Kal Ho Naa Ho" and "Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham", some of the most successful Indian films at the international box office.

post by masala.com

Katrina prescribed complete bed rest

She spent most of Sunday in hospital


Katrina Kaif has been prescribed complete bed rest as her health becomes a cause of concern.

The actress, who recently had jaundice, is unwell once again and was seen at a suburban hospital in Mumbai yesterday (Dec 13).

Her hemoglobin level mysteriously continues to fall down despite medical treatment from the best of the doctors. This is of immense concern for her family and friends.

Katrina spent almost the whole of Sunday at the hospital undergoing medical tests, as the doctors too were worried about her deteriorating health.

Despite her frail condition, there have been certain commitments which Katrina hasn’t missed in last couple of weeks. One such commitment kept her on her toes on Friday and Saturday evening. It was the Sangeet and wedding ceremony of Salman’s Khan’s friend Krishan Narayan’s daughter.

After several public appearances over the last couple of weeks, these two hectic days proved to be the last straw and Katrina was unable to get out of bed on Sunday morning and had to visit the doctor.

Now she has been advised complete bed rest.

We wish her speedy recovery and the best of health.



post by masala.com

Aamir and Kareena kiss for ‘3 Idiots’

Actors and director tight-lipped about the scene

Just ahead to the release of the film ‘3 Idiots’ (pictured above), reports doing the rounds are that Aamir Khan and Kareena Kapoor will share a long and passionate kiss in the film.

Even though Kareena, Aamir and director Raju Hirani are tight-lipped, an insider source confirmed the news.

Aamir generally does not have such kissing scenes in his films and this will be something to watch out for.

Fifteen years back Aamir had done a similar kissing sequence with Kareena’s sister Karisma Kapoor in “Raja Hindustani”, which had made much news at that time.

As for Kareena, didn’t we hear her say sometime back that she will not indulge in such scenes and skin show any more as she is going to be the daughter-in-law of the Royal Pataudi family?



post by masala.com

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Download Rocket Singh - Salesman Of The Year MP3 Hindi Movie Songs Free

Rocket Singh (2009)
>> >>
Pocket Mein Rocket (Benny Dayal) - Rocket Singh

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Gadbadi Hadbadi (Vishal Dadlani) - Rocket Singh

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Pankhon Ko (Salim Merchant) - Rocket Singh

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Khuda Jaane - Bachna Ae Haseeno

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Lucky Boy - Bachna Ae Haseeno

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Jogi Maahi - Bachna Ae Haseeno

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Hadippa - Dil Bole Hadippa

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Discowale Khisko - Dil Bole Hadippa

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Bhangra Bister - Dil Bole Hadippa

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Haule Haule - Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi

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Dance Pe Chance - Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi

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Dil Haara - Tashan

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Chhaliya - Tashan

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Chak De - Chak De India

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Dil Laga Na - Dhoom 2

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Thursday, December 10, 2009

Rocket Singh - Salesman Of The Year (Music Review)

Only 3 songs in the album, and all are good


Music director: Sulaiman and Salim Merchant

Lyricist: Jaideep Sahni

Singers: Benny Dayal, Vishal Dadlani and Salim Merchant

"Chak De! India" director Shimit Amin is back with "Rocket Singh - Salesman Of The Year". If the Shah Rukh Khan-starrer had six original tracks, the album of his new film has only three songs. But they are definitely worth hearing.

The music of "Rocket Singh", which has Ranbir Kapoor in the lead, is by composer brothers Salim and Sulaiman Merchant and the soundtrack has eight bonus tracks from old Yash Raj Films.

The first song "Gadbadi hadbadi" is sung by composer Salim himself. It is full of punch and is an energetic number. The song has a rock feel owing to its orchestration. It gets an edge when it slows down in between and then again gains momentum.

Next is a beautiful number "Pankho ko" crooned by Benny Dayal. The song has a certain raw appeal and the lyrics are insightful and intriguing. The strumming of the guitar makes it soft and soothing to the ears. The track holds the interest of the listener right till the end.

Finally, we have the title track that is doing the rounds of TV channels. "Pocket mein rocket" has Vishal Dadlani behind the mike and is a fun song. The foot-tapping number will be liked by many.

Other than these, the album has bonus tracks like "Chak de" ("Chak De! India"), "Chhaliya" ("Tashan"), "Dance pe chance" ("Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi"), "Dil haara" ("Tashan"), "Haule haule" ("Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi"), "Jogi mahi" ("Bachna Ae Haseeno"), Khuda jaane" ("Bachna Ae Haseeno") and "Lucky boy" ("Bachna Ae Haseeno").

The album might have just three original songs but they are appealing and quite interesting.

post by masala.com

IIFA Awards announces Canada as 2011 host

What was Viveik doing in Bachchan territory?

Viveik Oberoi and Celina Jaitley with an official at the IIFA 2011 announcement
Viveik Oberoi and Celina Jaitley with an official at the IIFA 2011 announcement

The 12th Indian Film Academy Awards (IIFA) will be held in Ontario, Canada, in 2011. However, organisers are yet to announce the venue for the IIFA awards in 2010.

"Before announcing the location for 2010, we are doing it for 2011. It is very unprecedented on our part. Toronto has shown us the excitement and passion to host IIFA 2011. They have a fantastic infrastructure but they wanted to take time to make sure everything is perfect for the event," Viraf Sirkari, a director of event management company Wizcraft that organises IIFA every year, told reporters in Mumbai on Dec 9.

Toronto would be the first North American city to host the IIFA.

Commenting upon the venue for IIFA Awards 2010, Sarkari said: "Very soon we will be announcing our destination for 2010. We have quite a few countries very keen and we are in tough negotiations with them."

Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan, who is the brand ambassador of IIFA, could not attend the event as he had to be present at the Dubai International Film Festival to receive an honour.

But his message was conveyed through a pre-recorded video.

"IIFA has moved forward and has over the time brought people from different cultures and races together on a global stage. It bridges countries, nations, businesses, communities and cinemas and this is our wish too for IIFA, Toronto 2011. As the IIFA brand ambassador, I pledge my complete support to the IIFA celebration and do look for a greener IIFA 2011," he said.

In Bachchan’s absence, present at the IIFA 2010 announcement were Viveik Oberoi and Celina Jaitley.

We were very surprised to see Viveik. After all, isn’t IIFA a Bachchan territory?



post by masala.com

‘DIFF is like Disneyland’

Ranbir says the whole event is a treat to the eyes



Amidst all the buzz of the Dubai International Film Festival, we caught up with Bollywood heartthrob Ranbir Kapoor at Madinat Jumeirah as his movie ‘Rocket Singh - Salesman of the Year' premieres at the event tonight (Dec 10).

Chivalrous and extremely quick with his responses, we get his take on DIFF, Dubai and a lot more...

Being your first film festival, DIFF is...

Like Disneyland. A treat to the eyes because you get to see so many films and it encourages world cinema.

You are going to use DIFF as an opportunity to...

Watch movies that I otherwise won't get to see.

Any particular person you would like to meet at DIFF...

Not really. For me this is more of an opportunity to see films and that is a bigger priority than meeting people.

Any advice from dad Rishi Kapoor for Dubai and DIFF...

Not really. He was just extremely excited that I am coming to Dubai for a film festival as we both love this place.

Besides DIFF, Dubai means...

Good food (he laughs).

The good food would be at...

Steakhouse in Mariott or Miyako in Hyatt.

The one differentiating factor about the people of Dubai...

They treat you extremely well and make you feel like you are a part of them.

You love this place. Does that mean frequent visits...

Oh yes completely. We were here on a family holiday three months ago as well and there are a lot more trips ahead...



post by masala.com

Sunday, December 6, 2009

Preview of ‘Accident on Hill Road’

Cunning and energetic thriller

Cast: Farooque Shaikh, Celina Jaitley, Abhimanyu Shekhar Singh

Director: Mahesh Nair

Producer: Nari Hira

Release date: December 18, 2009

“Accident on Hill Road” is a cunning and energetic thriller that takes its premise from the real-life incident of a woman who hit a man, then drove home and parked the car in the garage with the man wedged halfway through her windshield.

Celina Jaitley stars as Sonam Chopra, a hard-partying, overworked nursing assistant in this darkly humorous psychological thriller from director Mahesh Nair.

Sonam accidentally steers her car into the harmless Prakash Shrivastava, movingly played by Farooque Shaikh, sending him flying through the windshield. Not wanting to jeopardise her future, Sonam, along with her drug-peddling boyfriend Sid (Abhimanyu Singh), chooses not to get him medical help, leaving him clinging to life in her garage.

But soon her psyche begins to unravel as captor and captive are pitted against each other in a bloody and outrageous battle for survival.

Be prepared for ingeniously nasty and often shockingly funny entertainment.



post by masala.com

‘Everyone is playing for money’

Evicted 'Bigg Boss' housemate Raju Srivastava would love to re-enter TV show

Comedian Raju Srivastava, the latest contestant to be evicted from reality TV show "Bigg Boss 3", says he would like Vindu Dara Singh to emerge the winner despite many controversies as he entertains the audience by providing action and drama.

"Vindu has been quite controversial and everyone says things about him but I don't know why I feel he is a good hearted person. This is one reason that I would like him to win this show," Raju told IANS over phone from Lonavala.

The 45-year-old also feels that Vindu, who is the son of veteran actor and wrestler Dara Singh, has good chances of winning the show since he does everything that people would like to see for entertainment.

"I think even public will want that Vindu is declared the winner since he is providing everything that the audience wants for entertainment - conflicts, drama, action," Raju said.

Raju, who has been a stand-up comedian and actor for 25 years, got his big break with comedy talent show "The Great Indian Laughter Challenge". He was evicted from the show on Friday (Dec 4). He was nominated along with Vindu and model Pravesh Rana.

Asked if he was prepared for the exit, Raju said: "I knew from inside that now it's my turn. I had prepared myself to go. I knew that people had had enough of comedy and non controversial behaviour. Now they want drama, fights...something that I was not providing, I think that's why I was shown the way out by the public."

"I'm out of the house after 63 days and it sure feels nice. I am happy and satisfied and have no complaints. I am quite comfortable now when I am out," he added.

However, if given a chance he would still like to step back inside the "Bigg Boss" house.

"I would love to go back, if offered. It's only if I don't have dates and I have committed my time to people that I won't go back into the house. Otherwise I'm more than game to re-enter," said the comedian, who is a great fan of "Bigg Boss" host and megastar Amitabh Bachchan.

Even though he has been voted out, Raju still doesn't want to take names of people who he thinks played dirty. "I would not like to take any one name and pinpoint a single person. Everyone is insecure inside because the situation is such," he said diplomatically.

"Everyone is playing for money and no one is god. All are making mistakes and all are doing something or the other that might not be right. So it's difficult to say who is that one person who is doing wrong things," he added.

Now that the actor-comedian is out, he wants to relax for a few days and spend quality time with his family.

"Bigg Boss" Season 3, which began Oct 4, airs on entertainment channel Colors and has various celebrities locked inside a house without any connection with the outside world.

post by masala.com

Preview of ‘Rocket Singh - Salesman of the Year’

Welcome to the world of sales…

Cast: Ranbir Kapoor, Shazahn Padamsee, Gauhar Khan, Sharon Prabhakar

Director: Shimit Amin

Producer: Aditya Chopra (Yash Raj Films)

Release date: December 11, 2009

Harpreet Singh Bedi (Ranbir Kapoor) has just graduated, and his marks are, well, let's say a little embarrassing. But marks never stopped him from dreaming of an exciting and adventurous career, and they never will.

He takes a deep, positive breath and dives into the world of sales, rumoured to be an ultra cool career for all smart people blocked from entering medical, engineering or business schools by brainless entrance exams.

It's everything he dreamt of, with its smooth dressing, smoother talking men and women who can sell ice to an Eskimo, dreams to an insomniac, and a lifetime mobile connection to a dying man. But soon, his idea of success begins clashing with the strange ways of these 'professionals' and 'bosses' he looked up to.

“Rocket Singh - Salesman of the Year” is the sometimes thoughtless, sometimes thoughtful story of a fresh graduate trying to find a balance between the maddening demands of the 'professional' way, and the way of his heart - and stumbling upon a crazy way which turned his world upside down, and his career right side up.



post by masala.com

Salman Khan Khush Hua!

He’ll be stepping into Mogambo’s shoes in ‘Mr. India 2’


Producer Boney Kapoor has confirmed that Salman Khan will be playing the villain’s role in “Mr. India 2”. He refused to comment any further as the script is still to be finalized.

For the first time in his career, Salman will play a villain on the lines of Amrish Puri, whose portrayal of Mogambo in “Mr. India” is iconic.

“Mr. India 2” marks Sridevi’s comeback and will also star Anil Kapoor. The film will be directed by Anees Bazmee.
Salman and Boney share a very good bond. In fact, they got along very well during the making of their film “Wanted”. So when Salman heard that Boney was planning a sequel to “Mr. India”, he expressed a desire to star in the film.

Boney told Anees about casting Salman in the film, and Anees could not think of anything better than the role of the unforgettable Mogambo.

Salman is only too happy to play a negative character in the film as it will have a completely different look.

According to the buzz, Salman will be playing a terrorist who wants to rule over India and the story will be about how Anil Kapoor, Sridevi and their gang try to free the country with the help of an invention made by Anil Kapoor.



post by masala.com

Look who’ll be in Dubai for the film festival

Read the celebrity list...

Amitabh Bachchan, who receives a Lifetime Achievement Award at DIFF, will be joined by Abhishek
Amitabh Bachchan, who receives a Lifetime Achievement Award at DIFF, will be joined by Abhishek

A-list stars from around the world will descend on Dubai for the sixth edition of the Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) from December 9 to 16.

Headlining the celebrity list from Hollywood is Gerald Butler, the PS, I Love You and The Ugly Truth star, who will receive the Variety International Star of the Year at DIFF.

He joins a power-pack including Matt Dillon, Oscar-nominated for his performance in Crash; Christina Ricci (Penelope); Mandy Moore (Licence to Wed); Christopher Lambert (Southland Tales) and Jason Flemying (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button). Broken Embraces star Lluis Homar has also confirmed attendance at DIFF 2009.

The Indian film industry will be represented by the ‘first family of the Hindi film industry’ – the Bachchans. The legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan, who receives a Lifetime Achievement Award at DIFF, will be joined by his actor-son Abhishek.

India’s new teenybopper sensation Ranbir Kapoor, the star of DIFF Indian Cinema Gala Rocket Singh – Salesman of the Year, and the film’s director Shimit Amin, who shot to fame with Chak De India, will also grace the gala red carpet this year.

Indian national award winning actor Mammootty, the hero of DIFF-film Kutty Srank (Sailor of Hearts), is another notable celebrity attendance from the Subcontinent.

Actors Boman Irani, Sameer Dattani and Minissha Lamba, who all star in Well Done Abba, Shyam Bengal’s movie that is being screened at DIFF, add to the celebrity list.

Two Indian stars Sonu Sood (Jodha Akbar) and Javed Jaffrey (Daddy Cool, Singh is King) mark their presence at DIFF 2009 through their roles in the first Emirati film, City of Life, the Arabian Nights Gala. They will be joined by Natalie Dormer (Flawless), the female lead of the Ali Mustafa film.

Lending weight to the jury list of Muhr Arab and Muhr AsiaAfrica awards are two Indian celebrities – the world-renowned painter and film director M.F. Hussain (Meenaxi: A Tale of Three Cities) and actress Manisha Koirala (Dil Se, Khamoshi, Bombay).

Her Majesty Queen Noor of Jordan will lead the Cultural Bridge programme at DIFF this year while the titan of the Arab film world, Omar Shariff, also a recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award at DIFF, will lead the Arab contingent of celebrities this year.

The glittering array of Arab stars this year include Hala Sarhan; Somayya Al Kashab; Mostafa Fahmy; Habib Gholoom; Samir Ghanim and Donia Ghanim; Hiam Abbas; Nelly Kareem; Elham Shaheen; Ragha Al Guedawi; Amr Waked; Rania Shawky; Sherine Adel; Khalid Al Sawi and Khalid Taja.



post by masala.com

Friday, December 4, 2009

We can only hope 'Paa' does well

Amitabh Bachchan praises Abhishek, the actor and producer

Amitabh Bachchan says "Paa" was crucial for his production company AB Corp and that Abhishek has done a remarkable job as a producer by wrapping up the film within a Rs.15 crore (Rs.150 million) budget.

"Any film that a producer makes is crucial for him financially. And we completely recognise that. We can only hope that 'Paa' does well. This time Abhishek has managed all the production hassles and I am glad he has done it with a high level of maturity," Amitabh told IANS in an interview on phone from Mumbai.

"We had set out to make the film within an estimated budget of Rs.15 crore and Abhishek managed it in Rs.14.75 crore. This, in times when movie budgets are soaring to Rs.50 crore.

"I think he has done a remarkable job. I give huge credit to him for making the film without compromising on the quality or the shooting locations. God willing, it will pay off well," he said.

The real life father-son duo star in reverse roles in the film.

Amitabh says he was "quite well-behaved and obedient" on the sets unlike the "troublesome child" he was called by Abhishek who plays his father.

"Abhishek must have been fooling around when he said I was a troublesome kid. In fact, I was quite a well-behaved and obedient child (on the sets). I followed all instructions of the script and did as much mischief as the script and director Balki required from me. It was all in good fun," Amitabh said.

In "Paa", Amitabh will be seen as Auro, a 13-year-old suffering from progeria, a rare condition which causes premature ageing among children. While Abhishek plays his dad, Vidya Balan essays the role of his mother.

Amitabh, 67, had to wear over eight pieces of specially crafted clay pieces designed by international make-up artist Stephan Dupuis for his role and says he was pampered well during the entire process.

"I was quite pampered on the sets. Actually they (unit members) were more worried about the makeup as it was very tedious. I used to have a lot of problem in breathing, eating and used to feel itchy - but everyone was extremely courteous.

"I couldn't eat properly, couldn't speak and liquid supplies were given to me using straws. Everyone was quite nice to me and pampered me," he said.
But isn't he pampered much at home as well?

"Well! Of course, I am. But for 'Paa', I was really pampered like a kid," he quipped.

Asked about the experience of playing his son's son in the film, Amitabh said: "It was fine. It wasn't tough. Actually, once you decide that this is a role you have to play in a film, the father-son relationship takes a backseat.

"We just played our parts. For an actor, I think it's all about catching the right attitude of his character and that's what we have both tried to do."

Amitabh is all praise for Abhishek's acting skills.

"I think Abhishek is maturing with each film. He really suited the role he has played in 'Paa' and I must say he has done a marvellous job."

Amitabh is being lauded by film critics and industry members for his portrayal of Auro. Many have called it "awesome", "amazing" and his "best performance till date". But Amitabh said humbly: "I'd rather wait for public opinion."

After "Paa", which is releasing on Dec 4, Amitabh will be seen in Ram Gopal Varma's "Rann" and Leena Yadav's "Teen Patti".

As of now, he can be seen as a host on reality show "Bigg Boss 3", which airs on the channel Colors.



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Download Paa Hindi Movie MP3 Songs Free

Paa
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Muddhi Muddhi Ittefaq Se

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Gumm Summ Gumm

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Udhi Udhi Ittefaq Se

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Hichki Hichki

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Gali Mudhi Ittefaq Se

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Halke Se Bole

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Mere Paa

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Paa - Theme (Remix)

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Shah Rukh will take kids to ‘Paa’ premiere

He has taken extra passes from Amitabh Bachchan


Shah Rukh Khan personally called up Amitabh Bachchan and requested his to send him five passes for the premiere of his film “Paa”, being held in Mumbai today (Dec 3).

The character of 13-year-old Auro, played by Amitabh Bachchan, is popular with the kids. In fact, SRK’s children Aryan and Suhana too can’t wait to see the film.

So Shah Rukh, who already had some passes for the premiere, requested Big B for the extra passes for his kids.

It so happened that Shah Rukh called up Big B to appreciate his role in the promos of the film and also to talk at length about his character. In the midst of conversation, Big B asked SRK if he required any extra passes to which SRK replied that he would like to have five more.

Amitabh immediately sent not five but six passes to Shah Rukh and once again requested him to come for the premiere.

Aamir too asked for six passes and Big B sent him six



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Shahid-Priyanka rediscover love in Bangkok

He made the first move


Shahid Kapur and Priyanka Chopra, who had split recently, have reportedly got back together.

The two were in Bangkok shooting for different films last month when the patch up happened, and now they are more than happy to be back together.

Priyanka was shooting for Sajid Nadiadwala’s film “Anjana Anjani” and Shahid for Yash Raj Films’ untitled movie, directed by Parmeet Sethi.

By chance, Shahid and Priyanka ended up staying in the same hotel. While there, they bumped into each other and realised that they could not do without each other.

In fact, the first move came from Shahid’s end. He realised his mistake of dumping PC. He desperately wanted her back in his life. And, in Bangkok, he found a way.

He approached Priyanka’s friend Tammana Sharma and told her about his feelings. She played Cupid and brought the lovebirds together.

Subsequently, Shahid and Priyanka met on a couple of occasions and sorted out their differences



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Two Grammy nominations for Rahman

Sarod maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan also nominated

Music maestro A.R. Rahman has been nominated for two Grammy awards for the film "Slumdog Millionaire".

The Mozart of Madras, as Rahman is fondly called, has been nominated in the best soundtrack for motion pictures, television or other visual media category for the film, and in the best song for motion picture, television and other visual media category for "Jai ho", said the official Grammy website.

Written by lyricist Gulzar, "Jai ho" has been sung by Sukhvinder Singh, Tanvi Shah, Mahalaxmi Iyer, Vijay Prakash and Rahman himself.

Nominated for the first time at the Grammy's, Rahman won two Oscars for "Slumdog Millionaire" and the best original score award at the 2009 Golden Globe Award.

Sarod maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan has also been nominated for a Grammy award in the best traditional world music album category.

Khan has been nominated for the album "Ancient Sounds", a joint-venture with Iraqi oud soloist Rahim Alhaj.

Other albums in the category include "Double Play", "Douga Mansa", "La Guerra No" and "Drum Music Land".

The 52th edition of the Annual Grammy Awards will be held at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Jan 31, 2010.



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