Bollywood News Feed

"Run time of Radio is 2 hours and not 3" - Himesh Reshammiya

2009-11-09 11:27:29

Click above for more movie stills On Monday morning, Himesh Reshammiya and others associated with Radio were in for a surprise. They woke up with a news break which declared that the running length of Radio was 3 hours. In the times when shorter movies are ruling the roost and anything above 2.5 hours is considered to be nothing less than sacrilege, it was but natural that a news item like this was a cause for worry. More so because it had no truth to it. Fumes Himesh, "This is figment of someone's imagination. Radio spans 1 hour 55 minutes, not 3 hours as a section of media is indicating. It is plain lie and malicious. I have no clue where did this come from." With the declaration coming from the horse's mouth, hope the rumour mongers would now have to think of something better. Directed by Ishaan Trivedi, Radio stars Sonal Sehgal and Shenaz Treasuryvala as the leading ladies. The film releases all over on 3rd December.

Shahid Kapoor makes Ahmed Khan's kids happy

2009-11-09 07:20:59

Choreographer Ahmed Khan is back from the US after months' of shooting for a song with his best-friend Shahid Kapoor. And Ahmed just can't stop singing his star-pal's praises, for the generosity Shahid showed in the US. The actor actually made sure Ahmed Khan's kids got a long-cherished dream to come true. Says Ahmed fondly, ''I had been promising my two sons Azaan and Subhan a trip to Disneyland for months. Earlier when we shot in the US for another Yash Raj Film Bachna Ae Haseeno, I kept hoping there would be time. But I couldn't manage to get away. But this time, Shahid made sure it happened.'' Apparently, Shahid not only ensured that Ahmed wrapped up his work as quickly as possible, he made all the arrangements for Ahmed, his wife Saira and two sons to take off for Disneyland. ''And why not?'' says Ahmed defensively. ''Shahid and I are childhood friends. Before my mother held my sons Shahid took them in his arms. So it's perfectly natural for him to look out for me and my family.'' Recalling the fabulous experience, Ahmed says, ''Out of the one month I spent in the US, only 12 days were devoted to shooting the song. It wasn't even a dance song. It was a concept number showing the hero and his friends splurging and binging all over the US. We shot at casinos and at various pleasure and tourist spots in Philadelphia, Orlando, New York, New Jersey and Chicago.'' Shahid will now be seen in Ahmed Khan's Paathshala. ''In a 2-hour long film, Shahid is there for an hour. So he's there for 55 minutes. His role is like Aamir Khan's in Taare Zameen Par. He comes in mid-way and yes, he's the teacher. Both Shahid and I have decided to focus on the kids in the marketing rather than on Shahid.''

Rishi Kapoor honored by Russian Government for contribution to cinema

2009-11-09 09:10:28

Love story between Russia and Kapoor 'khandaan' has spread across generations. Decades back, Raj Kapoor was the most popular Bollywood celebrity in this part of the world. Now, it's the turn of veteran actor Rishi Kapoor who is being showered with this love and affection. He is currently in Russia where he is being honoured by the Government for his contribution to cinema. The highlight of the event would be the citation and diploma that Rishi Kapoor would receive for his efforts over the years. Confirms an elated Rishi Kapoor on the eve of his trip to Russia, "Obviously, I am quite happy with Russian Government recognizing me for my work over the years. It has been a long journey for me spread across four decades. An award like this only keeps the actor in me alive and kicking." A twin event that takes place on 9th and 10th November in Moscow and Vladikavkaz respectively, it has been put together in conjunction with a NGO called 'Routes 2 Roots'. It endeavours bringing together people, cultures and values across SAARC countries. It is as a part of this initiative that Rishi Kapoor has travelled to this part of the world. However, a trip over the weekend means that Rishi Kapoor missed out on the premier of his son Ranbir Kapoor's Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani. "Yes, I can't help it. The date for the event had been announced and I needed to fulfil my commitment. I would have loved to be a part of Ranbir's moment of glory. I will catch the film when I return a week later", says Rishi Kapoor. Meanwhile, his better half Neetu Singh has caught the film and is apparently quite happy with the final results. "I am sure by the time people are reading this; the verdict would anyways have been out", he smiles, "While I am quite positive about Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani due to its fun element, Neetu is very happy with what she saw. I am sure Ranbir fans would be happy to see him in a different light altogether after Wake Up Sid." Incidentally, Rishi Kapoor has earlier worked with Ajab Prem... director Raj Kumar Santoshi in Damini which had won critical as well as commercial acclaim. On his return, Rishi Kapoor would straight away head for Turkey where he has a shooting schedule planned for Hema Malini's Tell Me Oh Khuda. Directed by debutant Mayur Puri, the film is being touted as Esha Deol's comeback film and stars Rishi Kapoor in a principal role other than Arjan Bajwa and Vinod Khanna. "I am looking forward to working with Hemaji again", he says, "Though she doesn't star in the film, she would be there in the capacity of a producer. There would be a Turkish actress opposite me in the film." In 2010, Rishi Kapoor would also be seen in Raj Kanwar's Sadiyaan. He would soon be beginning work on Nikhil Advani's Patiala House where he would be seen with Akshay Kumar syet again after Namastey London.

Saif Ali Khan signed as the brand ambassador of OCM Suitings

2009-11-07 11:22:04

Saif Ali Khan is going through a great phase, both personally and professionally. Earlier this year, his first home production Love Aaj Kal went on to create magic at the B.O. and now Saif is eagerly awaiting the release of yet another biggie Kurbaan. However it's not just film offers that are raining in Chhote Nawab's courtyard. Saif is also bagging the best of endorsement deals, the latest being the one with OCM Suitings. Yes... Saif Ali Khan has been appointed as the brand ambassador of OCM Suitings and has even shot a commercial for them. So after endorsing a wide variety of products, right from chips (Lays) to shampoos (Head and Shoulders) it would be interesting to see Saif endorse a suiting range. Considering the fact that he is considered as a style icon, it is rather apt that the brand managers of OCM Suitings decided to sign Saif as the brand ambassador for their product.

Ajay Devgn, Kajol throw huge party to celebrate success of All The Best

2009-11-07 04:17:45

Abhishek Bachchan walked in with Amar Singh, instead of his Paa or his wife, at Ajay Devgn's first-ever bash for his friends in the industry on Thursday evening. Bashful and cynical about glam-gatherings, Ajay Devgn has always shunned attending parties and has never before thrown one. But the new power-packed Devgan newly energized by the success of All The Best has resolved to let the world know he's ready to conquer showbiz. Devgn's buddies Sanjay Dutt and Maanyata were the first to arrive and also among the first to leave, since Sanjay had an early-morning flight to catch to South Africa. And then there was Fardeen and his wife Natasha. After his successful back surgery in New York, Fardeen Khan was back in Mumbai for his first public appearance to celebrate his first successful film in ages at Ajay Devgn's first-ever party for his colleagues held at the Sahara Star hotel on Thursday night, a day after Devgn wrapped up Prakash Jha's Rajneeti in Bhopal. All the arrangements were taken care of by Ajay Devgn and his wife Kajol who were very prominently a part of the celebrations. The party on till late. John Abraham and Bipasha showed up much later. But as one of the guests later said, "This party was a show of strength for Ajay Devgan. For too long he has smirked and silently watched the Khans rule as the glamourous elements in Bollywood. With wife Kajol at his side, Ajay wants to build Brand Devgn in a par with Saif-Kareena and Abhishek-Aishwarya. The party on Thursday night was the first step in that direction."

Indian Animation industry to grow to USD 1 billion by 2012: NASSCOM

2009-11-06 11:10:12

In possible good news for a faltering animation industry in India, NASSCOM has forecasted that the industry will grow to USD 1 billion by 2012 from an estimated USD 494 million in 2008. The report, released at the NASSCOM Animation & Gaming Summit 2009 in Hyderabad, outlines the key challenges for the animation and vfx markets. Noteworthy among them are: 'the limited demand for animation due to limited promotional budgets and restricted theatrical distribution, scarcity of long-term financing for animated films, competition from foreign animation and restricted use of vfx in Bollywood.' Interestingly, the animation entertainment segment (which includes feature films, direct-to-DVD, advertising and TV) accounted only 22% of the total market in 2008; while vfx accounted for a mere 13% of the pie. As of today several animation films are in the pipeline for release next year. Biren Ghose, Chairman of NAGFO, who recently joined Paprikaas as General Manager, said, "Not many of the 15 or so animation films that have been announced will release next year." On a positive note, he said, "Visual effects (vfx) is an emerging market. About 8-12% of a movie's budget is spent on vfx. Despite questions raised about the failure of vfx-heavy movies, it has to be noted that Aladin's vfx budget was only 16% (10-20 crores) of the total cost. In other countries, box-office revenues are small chunk of total profit made by a feature, but in India box-office collection plays a major part in the revenues." He also added that animation industry should adapt to Bollywood's example of having restructured to a higher profitability model, post recession. As per the report, the gaming industry in India would grow at a CAGR of 49% to reach USD 830 million.

Sunil Shetty bags Best Actor award at South Asian International Film Festival

2009-11-06 11:14:06

Sunil Shetty is a happy man these days. For his performance in the upcoming Red Alert, he has bagged the Best Actor award at the South Asian International Film Festival (SAIFF), New York. An ecstatic Sunil says, "It is a fabulous feeling. In all the reviews of my films till date, a majority have called me 'wooden' or said 'gives a routine performance'. To win an award at a recognized film festival like the SAIFF in New York is a big high as an actor and makes me want to work harder and better." Sunil goes on to add, "The film is on a Naxal setting and right now, is the right time for the film to come out." His performance was appreciated by the Jury and the audiences' too. The theme of the movie has a universal appeal. As everybody on planet earth is affected by Terrorism, External or Internal... The film's director Ananth Mahadevan says, "I am happy especially for Sunil because his performance is being appreciated at a global level. When I took this film to him, he had told me in his humble way, not to make the film with him in a solo lead. But I was sure he could pull off the character of Narasimha and he did." T.P. Agarwal, Chairman of Producers Association IMPPA and Owner of Star Entertainment Pvt Ltd was present at the SAIFF function to receive the award and addressed to the media, "I am overwhelmed with the response I have received for the film and Sunil's performance. Finally we have received an international platform to bring light to the burning issue of increasing intrastate conflicts."

The inside story about Shilpa Shetty's wedding plans

2009-11-06 06:05:58

Instead of the traditional ghoda bringing the dulha to Shilpa Shetty's doorsteps, Raj Kundra has decided to ride into his beghum's baraat on an elaborate chariot. That just about sets the tone for the elaborate yet exclusive Shilpa-Raj Kundra marriage on November 22 where, according to Shilpa's close buddy, "Tarun Tahiliani has designed a wedding outfit that no bride in Bollywood or outside has ever worn before." The guest list for the November 22 wedding is restricted to Shilpa and Raj's family only. Raj's parents and sister are expected any moment from London. His relatives from Ludhiana and Amritsar are expected to arrive closer to the wedding. The wedding will be conducted fully in the Bunt tradition, according the Mangalorean community that the Shettys belong to. Says Shilpa's close friend, "Shilpa's mom consulted the astrological documents and found that the next auspicious date was not before April 2010. Shilpa's first response was, 'Not without my sister.' But now that Shamita is well on the way out of 'Bigg Boss', Shilpa doesn't mind the rush, though she would be shooting until the very last moment for the Indo-Chinese production Desire in Hyderabad," says a very close friend of the Shettys. The last thing Shilpa wants to do at the moment is to work. "But a commitment is a commitment," says Shilpa's friend.

11th Mumbai Film Festival comes to a close

2009-11-06 05:43:55

Click above for event stills The curtain closed on the 11th edition of Mumbai Film Festival organized by the Mumbai Academy of Moving Image (MAMI) at Mumbai amidst the who's who of the of Indian and World cinema gracing the closure of the event with their presence. A glittering closing ceremony herald the closure of the 7 day Festival that laid out some real sumptuous fare for film-buffs in Mumbai. MFF is a Reliance Big Entertainment initiative and has the distinction of being the only international film festival in India to be organized by an independent body of practicing film professionals. MAMI committee led by Chairman Mr. Shyam Benegal and trustees Mr. Yash Chopra, Mrs. Jaya Bachchan, Mr. Amit Khanna, Mr. Amol Palekar along with the festival jury Members including: renowned Hollywood screenwriter and director Mr. Paul Schrader, Sri Lankan filmmaker Mr. Vimukthi Jayasundara, Philippine filmmaker Mr. Brillante Mendoza, Indian filmmaker Mr. Shaji N. Karun and former Director of Locarno Film Festival Ms. Irene Bignardi graced the occasion. Also present were Mr. Anil and Tina Ambani, Mr Amitabh Bachchan, Mr & Mrs Theo Angelopoulos. The evening was hosted by Kunal Kohli & Shefali Shah adding colour to the exciting evening were performances by singers Anushka Manchanda Kunal Ganjawala. "This Festival brought together some of the best cinematic talent from across the globe," says Mr. Shyam Benegal, chairperson of MAMI. "We watched some very well-crafted films covering a range of thematics and issues." Mr. Amitabh Bachchan was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement award for completing 40 years in the film industry. His oeuvre comprises from rib-tickling comedies to tear-jerkers to subtle, nuanced performances in art-house films. It can be said without doubt that there is nothing in acting that Mr. Bachchan hasn't tried his hand at and succeeded. Mr. Theo Angelopoulos, the maestro from Greece received the International Lifetime Achievement award for giving us thought-provoking and visually appealing cinema. His distinctive style and work has influenced a number of your filmmakers. Mr. Dev Anand's production house Navketan Films was facilitated for completing 60 golden years in the film industry. As a modest first step towards setting up a full-fledged "Film Market," MFF introduced the Film Business Centre to provide a networking platform for Indian distributors, producers, television channels, foreign sales agents, and festival directors to enhance the international sales of Indian films. The festival was buzzing with International buyers/ sales agent, international film festival delegates from across the globe attended the festival as part of the Film Business Centre during the 11th Mumbai Film Festival. Sales agents from companies such as UniFrance, UK Film Council, Pioniwa Film Co. - Japan, Channel Asia - Japan, Hanway Films - France amongst many others were also present. International film festival delegates include Rada Sesic, Rotterdam Film Festival, TOM LUDDY & Gary Meyer, Co-Director Telluride FF, Marit Capla, director Goteborg International Film Festival. Film institute's includes the UniFrance, UK Film Council & Danish Film Institute.

Santosh Sivan to play Raja Ravi Varma opposite South sensation Karthika

2009-11-05 10:59:03

Even as the fate of Ketan Mehta's Rang Rasiya, featuring Randeep Hooda as the father of mythological calendar-art Raja Ravi Varma and Nandana Sen as his muse, remains uncertain, cinematographer-director Santosh Sivan has very quietly gone and ahead and signed a Malayalam film (to be dubbed into Hindi and English) featuring himself as Raja Ravi Varma in the lead. The Malayalam film entitled Magara Manju (winter mist) starts shooting next week Cochin. It's to be directed by the arthouse director Lenin Rajandran. Santosh was at first hesitant to enter into a new arena at a time when his hands are full with cinematography and direction. "But the director Rajendra Lenin convinced me I was right for the part. I've grown up on the art of Raja Ravi Varma. When I was a kid my grandmother illustrated her stories with Raja Ravi Varma's paintings. I think I've acquired my visual aesthetics from this man," says Santosh as he prepares to face the camera with the new Southern sensation Karthika. Says Santosh, "Karthika is the daughter of the veteran Tamil actress Radha. I sort of liked the way we look together. But the main attraction for turning to acting is Raja Ravi Varma himself. I empathize very closely with his art. I also paint a bit. And I've photographed the film by M.F Husain and his son Owais. " The film will be shot in Trivandrum, Goa and Cochin. Incidentally, the only other occasion when Santosh Sivan has acted for the camera was in Aditya Bhattacharya's Raakh. "And after my shot, Pankaj Kapoor couldn't stop laughing," laughs Santosh.

Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra to tie the knot on November 22

2009-11-05 11:04:11

Well it's finally confirmed. Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra will tie the knot this November. The wedding which is scheduled for the 22nd of this month will surprisingly be devoid of the usual Bollywood friends and glitter. This comes as Shilpa and Raj arrived at a joint decision to keep the affair short and sweet. However, two days after the actual wedding reception, Shilpa will be hosting another party for her colleagues from the industry, while the marriage itself is to be conducted at her business partner Kiran Bawa's farmhouse in Khandala. The venue of her wedding reception however, is still being kept under wraps. Shilpa's sister who missed the engagement ceremony while being locked away in the Bigg Boss house apparently might also miss the wedding as the show isn't scheduled to end till the date. The only option left is that she be evicted from the Bigg Boss house in time to make it for her sister's wedding.

Raat Gayi Baat Gayi wins Best Film award at SAIFF 2009

2009-11-04 10:02:29

Click above for more stills Pritish Nandy Communications' (PNC) forthcoming film 'Raat Gayi Baat Gayi' recently won the Best Film Award at HBO's New York South Asian International Film Festival, 2009. The film premiered at the festival and was screened in the Competition category. Director Saurabh Shukla and actor Rajat Kapoor were present to receive the award. The South Asian International Film Festival is one of the most exciting events on New York's cultural calendar and film makers from all over the world; compete to be a part of it. "It is a wonderful moment for the film, PNC and me", said Saurabh Shukla, "This award is a fabulous recognition of Raat Gayi Baat Gayi and it shows the growing reach and acceptance of Indian feature films worldwide". Producer Pritish Nandy adds, "This affirms our faith in the fact that some of the best films currently being made in India are by directors and actors who are bucking the trend. We, as producers, love to back such films. We know where true excellence lies. Raat Gayi Baat Gayi, which releases in theatres, next month, is comedy at its sharpest and finest.' Raat Gayi Baat Gayi is an outrageous comedy that starts with a night of heavy drinking and partying amongst 3 married couples. The morning after dawns with zero memory, the possibility of a one night stand, a missing mobile number and one gorgeous woman. The film stars Rajat Kapoor, Vinay Pathak, Neha Dhupia, Dalip Tahil, Iravati Harshe Mayadev, Anu Menon, Navnit Nishaan and Ranvir Shorey in lead roles. The film has music by Ankur Tewari, is written by Rajat Kapoor and directed by Saurabh Shukla.

PNC's Saluun to premiere at 33rd Cairo International Film Festival

2009-11-04 11:07:36

The prestigious Cairo International Film Festival, to be held between the 10th to 20th November 2009, has officially invited an Indian feature film, Saluun, for screening at their 33rd edition. Saluun is a film by Pritish Nandy Communications' (PNC) and is produced under PNC's recently launched Guerrilla Flicks banner. "This year CIFF will welcome the new generation of brilliant filmmakers from India by honoring Indian Cinema. PNC's ,Saluun represents the fresh breed of Indian filmmakers and it's a great pleasure for us to screen the movie at the festival," said Ezzat Abou Ouf, Festival President. He further added, "Saluun is funny, clever, heart warming and it introduces a new director, Nikhil Nagesh Bhat who brings fresh insight into where popular Bollywood cinema can go." Producers Pritish Nandy and Rangita Pritish Nandy along with director Nikhil Nagesh Bhat will attend the festival as special invitees. Joining them will be members of the film's ensemble cast including Gaurav Kapur, Razak Khan, Sakshi Tanwar, Brijendra Kala, Murli Sharma, Gayatri Choudhuri as well as Arindam Mitra who is the Series Producer for PNC Guerrilla Flicks. "It has been a very enriching journey. It's an honor for me to showcase my debut film on an international platform as prestigious as the Cairo International Film Festival." said director Nikhil Nagesh Bhat. Speaking about his film, producer Pritish Nandy said, "Saluun is a delightful film that captures the magic, the excitement and the sheer genius of small town, middle class India where people are constantly coping with the weird complexities of politics, bureaucracy and corruption. It is based on a true life incident that happened in a small town in Maharashtra where the local people were so fed up with corrupt Government officials that they devised a cunning plan to teach them a lesson. It is a funny, touching, deeply evocative film about the India we rarely see in our Bollywood movies and the story is told with amazing power and simplicity. It is a first time film maker's tribute to ordinary, middle class India and how it copes with everyday adversity and comes up a winner every time. It's an ace of hearts."

Rakeysh to make Mirza Sahiban next; also plans to release new version of Delhi 6

2009-11-04 06:23:36

The script for Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's next film is almost done. "Actually it's a couple of scripts and I will choose from them," says the director. He admits he is in all probability making the period romance Mirza Sahiban next. But the original cast Abhishek Bachchan and Sonam Kapoor may change. "The moment you write with actors in mind you restrict them and yourself. So I'd rather wait until the script is finished before casting." Rakeysh showed the new-cut version of Delhi 6 at the Venice Film Festival on September 9. "The kind of reception I got in a 1600-seater theatre, was unexpected. It was meant to be only one screening. But they suddenly decided to screen the film on the closing day of the Festival which is very prestigious." Now Rakeysh intends to release the new version of Delhi 6 (with Abhishek Bachchan's character dying off) in India very shortly.

Kareena Kapoor to endorse Sony Vaio's 'Size Zero' laptops

2009-11-03 09:59:44

Download image as wallpaper After having endorsed a wide variety of products right from shampoos (Garnier) to fashion wear (Globus), gorgeous actress Kareena Kapoor has bagged yet another big endorsement deal. Kareena would be seen launching and promoting Sony Vaio's new 'Size Zero' laptops. The actress is currently in the capital to attend a press conference announcing the launch of the ultra-thin 'Size Zero' laptops by Sony Vaio. The actress, who was responsible for making 'Size Zero' a household term a couple of years ago, thus becomes the first Indian brand ambassador of Sony Vaio. Says a source associated with the brand, "When Sony Vaio thought of launching the 'Size Zero' range of laptops -the only person who embodied what the brand stood for was Kareena Kapoor. She is the industry's No.1 actress and the new range of Sony Vaio's 'Size Zero' laptops is compact, classy, chic and sophisticated just like Kareena." Kareena, who has 2 big films (Kurbaan with Saif Ali Khan and 3 Idiots with Aamir Khan) lined up for release in the coming months, is surely having a rollicking year what with the best of films and the best of endorsement deals. Way to go girl.