Monday, June 30, 2008

Interview : Emraan Hashmi


Emraan Hashmi has a penchant of treading the unconventional route. The roles he chooses or the film’s he does are very different from a typical hero’s take. He doesn’t mind taking risks and this is what sets him apart. Many call it arrogance, but he is not bothered as only he can make a film hit during the IPL season when the others faltered.

Excerpts from an Interview:

You did gamble isn’t it with Jannat releasing it during IPL?

But that was because I was confident about the film. Filmmaking itself is a gamble and there are lots of risks involved. The film was minimised by hit music, a topical issue and a modern-day love story. The timing to release the film was risky no doubt, but it paid off at last.

Your upcoming film is Raaz 2, what is your intuition about the film?

I’m as much confident about the success of the film as Jannat. It’ll be a spooky film and the audience will get a treat watching the horror stuff. The film has to live up to the original and expectations are sky high.

You are pricing yourself up in the market.

My price is nothing unreasonable and it wouldn’t burden the project. I come from a film family and have a running production company, I’ve knowledge about the trade.

But you’ve opted out of Bhatts film because of your price tag.

The actual reason that I did not do the film is because Bhattsahab is making films on the lines I’ve already done before. Murder was in essence a love triangle too with a murder thrown in. I prefer not to repeat myself.

Are you doing Kunal Deshmukh’s next?

It will be a bigger film than Jannat. The script is being processed at the moment.

Are you doing the Metro sequel?

I’d love to be a part pf the film. I’ve told Anurag Basu to approach me if he has a role for me. I’m ready to sign the film without reading the script and might also sign it for free. Also I’m working with Subhash Ghai and we’ve a three-film deal. Waiting for a good script to come through.

You are a loyalist of Vishesh Films?

It’s not that. I’ve worked with outside banners too and delivered hits. But with Vishesh Films, it’s not just a professional relationship. I’ll work with anybody who has a good offer.

Thursday, June 26, 2008

Movie Review : 'Haal-e-Dil'


Producer: Kumar Mangat
Director: Anil Devgan
Cast:Nakuul Mehta, Tanuja, Sanjay Mishra, Amita Pathak, Adhyayan Suman, Mukesh Tiwari
Music: Anand Raj Anand, Raghav Sachar, Vishal Bharadwaj

First thing first - the film lacks originality as several sequences are copied from the 1990s hit 'Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge'. From the rain song to the train scene, it reminds one of the Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol starrer.

Although producer Kumar Mangat made 'Haal-e-Dil' to launch his daughter Amita Pathak, it is TV star Shekhar Suman's son Adhyayan who takes the cream out of the cake in this badly handled love story.

It is also Adhyayan's debut film, but his performance is being appreciated because of his originality. Usually new actors imitate big stars in some or the other way, but Adhyayan seems to be himself throughout the narration.

As a cute chocolate-boy hero, Nakuul might woo the college-goers, especially the girls. Amita's performance is tolerable, but she fails to strike a chemistry with either of her co-stars.

The triangular love story revolves around Sanjana Sharma (Amita Pathak), Rohit (Adhyayan Suman) and Shekhar (Nakuul Mehta). Sanjana and Rohit study in the same college and are in love. Then Shekhar enters Sanjana's life. The two meet on a train and for Shekhar it is love at first sight. He starts following Sanjana and tries to woo her.

The script is weak and it drags. Despite the presence of Ajay Devgan, Kajol and Tanuja, the film fails to hold the viewers' attention.

One wonders why Kumar Mangat and Anil Devgan chose the two guys who look younger than Amita to play her love interest in the film?

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Interview: Mika’s Singh


Singer Mika is more popular for his infamous episode with Rakhi Sawant. However things have started looking positive for him, with Mika delivering hits with the Bollywood tracks. This Punjabu nasal singer is creating furore with hit tracks like ‘Aye Ganpat’ and ‘Mauja Hi Mauja’. After his successful stint with chartbusters, he now changes direction to star in a film. Wanna know more about Mika, read on!

Excerpts from an Interview:

Alike Himesh Reshammiya, it seems that the acting bug has also bitten you.

Films are happening and that’s good. I’ve already completed shooting for Loot. The sequel to Tom Dick and Harry is also on the floors. I’m doing Loot for Suniel Shetty as he is a close friend. When he asked me to do the film there was no question of giving a ‘no’ back. Tom Dick and Harry sequel happened quite interesting. I was supposed to render a track for the film. The director offered me a role and I accepted it.

Will that mean that music has taken a backstage in your career?

It’s not that. My top priority as the shows. Even top actors like Akshay Kumar, SRK, Saif Ali Khan do one or two films a year and concentrate on shows. I’m doing the same. For a role I’m offered Rs 30 lakh for for which I need to shoot for at least 20 days. I can make the same money through five shows, which means only five days of work!

You are all over the place with chartbusters and now your track Saawan mein lag gayi aag has got a second life with Woodstock Villa.

That’s great isn’t it? I remember eight years back, Sanjay Gupta called me wanting to use the song in his film. But he met with an accident and things went haywire. So, again when he made a move on that front, I was floored. He approached the company, bought the rights, made Anu Malek do the music and spent the same amount of money that went into making my whole album! Now, what stands out in the flick is my song. Even if it’s not meant to be, my songs end up becoming the title tracks.

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Movie Review: 'Mere Baap Pehle Aap'


Producer: Raman Maroo

Director: Priyadarshan

Cast: Akshaye Khanna, Paresh Rawal, Om Puri, Genelia D'souza, Shobhana

Music: Vidyasagar

At last a Priyadarshan comedy that warms the cockles of the heart even as it makes you cackle in glee.

'Mere Baap Pehle Aap' is a deftly-scripted piece of quirky and cryptic concoction on role reversal. And if you take away all the humbug and fringe characters, at the core of this cool comedy is a father-son relationship where the father is often caught behaving like a truant child.

Paresh Rawal's guilt-stricken expressions and Akshaye Khanna's finger-wagging exasperation are simply superb. Hats off to Manisha Korde's wildly witty words that colonize the characters' comic world.

Breathe easy. There are no risque or double-meaning jokes and no vulgar shots of women. Priyadarshan's film is clean and clever in parts and makes you forgive all the excesses of his recent films like 'Bhool Bhulaiya' and 'Malaamal Weekly' where the characters were constantly in a state of distress.

In 'Mere Baap...' we see some restraint and subtlety in the narration and the locales are exquisite and refreshing. Sabu Cyril's art work suggests an endearing link between our cultural heritage and the rituals of laughter. The Kerala sequences are adorably quaint.

Throughout the story of a father and son finding marital bliss at about the same time, we are caught in spaces that are filled but not overbrimming. Like his earlier films, Priyadarshan's people this time go from laughter to a social message with a virile fluency.

Does a middle-aged man have the right to seek a companion when he has a child of marriageable age?

Paresh is at the receiving end of social taboos. After wasting himself in not-so-good comedies in recent times, Paresh comes into his own here as the surly, child-like dad who keeps getting into embarrassing positions for no fault of his.

If Paresh sparkles, it's because he has a screen son who shines with immense confidence. Akshaye's comic timing and his little nuances and gestures bring forceful humour to a film that may otherwise have ended up looking a little limp and unmoored.

The rest of the cast, barring the brazenly over-pitched Genelia, give winsome comic performances. It's a surprise to see the beautiful Shobana show up as the spinster that widower Paresh wants to marry.

The wedding song and dances are almost exquisite. This touch of the quasi-classical, also seen in the closing interlude of 'Bhool Bhulaiya', gives the comedy a touch of refreshing grace.

Interestingly, Mohan Joshi, who's a regular in Priyadarshan films, gives a completely non-comic performance here. And Archana Puransingh, as a brassy lady cop, once again displays a penchant for parody.

Om Puri as a leery, ageing bachelor is appropriately grotesque. But one can't tell whether it's the character or the performance that makes one squirm.

The film works mainly because Paresh and Akshaye look so delightfully compatible as a father and son who have lived so closely together that they don't know which is which.

Another asset is Ranjit Barot's background music, which is surprisingly tender and strong in fits and starts.

Producer: Raman Maroo

Director: Priyadarshan

Cast: Akshaye Khanna, Paresh Rawal, Om Puri, Genelia D'souza, Shobhana

Music: Vidyasagar

At last a Priyadarshan comedy that warms the cockles of the heart even as it makes you cackle in glee.

'Mere Baap Pehle Aap' is a deftly-scripted piece of quirky and cryptic concoction on role reversal. And if you take away all the humbug and fringe characters, at the core of this cool comedy is a father-son relationship where the father is often caught behaving like a truant child.

Paresh Rawal's guilt-stricken expressions and Akshaye Khanna's finger-wagging exasperation are simply superb. Hats off to Manisha Korde's wildly witty words that colonize the characters' comic world.

Breathe easy. There are no risque or double-meaning jokes and no vulgar shots of women. Priyadarshan's film is clean and clever in parts and makes you forgive all the excesses of his recent films like 'Bhool Bhulaiya' and 'Malaamal Weekly' where the characters were constantly in a state of distress.

In 'Mere Baap...' we see some restraint and subtlety in the narration and the locales are exquisite and refreshing. Sabu Cyril's art work suggests an endearing link between our cultural heritage and the rituals of laughter. The Kerala sequences are adorably quaint.

Throughout the story of a father and son finding marital bliss at about the same time, we are caught in spaces that are filled but not overbrimming. Like his earlier films, Priyadarshan's people this time go from laughter to a social message with a virile fluency.

Does a middle-aged man have the right to seek a companion when he has a child of marriageable age?

Paresh is at the receiving end of social taboos. After wasting himself in not-so-good comedies in recent times, Paresh comes into his own here as the surly, child-like dad who keeps getting into embarrassing positions for no fault of his.

If Paresh sparkles, it's because he has a screen son who shines with immense confidence. Akshaye's comic timing and his little nuances and gestures bring forceful humour to a film that may otherwise have ended up looking a little limp and unmoored.

The rest of the cast, barring the brazenly over-pitched Genelia, give winsome comic performances. It's a surprise to see the beautiful Shobana show up as the spinster that widower Paresh wants to marry.

The wedding song and dances are almost exquisite. This touch of the quasi-classical, also seen in the closing interlude of 'Bhool Bhulaiya', gives the comedy a touch of refreshing grace.

Interestingly, Mohan Joshi, who's a regular in Priyadarshan films, gives a completely non-comic performance here. And Archana Puransingh, as a brassy lady cop, once again displays a penchant for parody.

Om Puri as a leery, ageing bachelor is appropriately grotesque. But one can't tell whether it's the character or the performance that makes one squirm.

The film works mainly because Paresh and Akshaye look so delightfully compatible as a father and son who have lived so closely together that they don't know which is which.

Another asset is Ranjit Barot's background music, which is surprisingly tender and strong in fits and starts.

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Interview: Amita Pathak


Amita Pathak wanted to be an actress from a very young age. Though her father producer father Kumar Mangat never took her aspirations seriously, she was determined about it. She had to wait for it, but her dream is turning true finally. Her first film, ‘Haal-e-Dil’ with newcomers Adhyayan Suman and Nakuul Mehta will arrive at the theatres soon. She talks about the film and more.

Excerpts from an Interview:

What is the film all about?

The story revolves around three people who tell each other their Haal-e-Dil. It’s about their first love and when they get it and they go ahead to prove it. My character in the film is called Sanjana and she is close to both these guys in her own way. But she loves them differently.

When did you decide that you have to do acting?

I was three years old when I watched Khilaaf, starring Madhuri Dixit and Mithun Chakraborty. Fans were going crazy over them, asking for autographs and pictures and I wanted to undergo the same experience. I tried acting in front of the mirror. My dad saw it and asked what was I doing and I told him that I wanted to act. He did not tale it much seriously at that time. After I turned 18 he understood that I was serious about my aspirations. He has been very supportive and got me scripts and read them to me.

What kind of preparations have you taken for your debut film?

I have done an acting course from Kishore Namit Kapoor Acting Academy. I have also attended a three-month acting workshop with Om Katare and worked on my dance moves with Shiamak Davar. I know Kathak, western dance, salsa and jive. I've assisted in a couple of movies, like Omkara.

With your dad producing this film, how was the experience?

It is not easy to get a breakthrough in the industry and there are many strugglers out there more capable then me. With my father around I consider myself fortunate. But like all other actors I auditioned for the film in front of all the writers and the director. This film wasn’t specially made for me. I wanted to debut in a romantic comedy. But I did not get script of that kind. I decided not to read any script for a while as I got frustrated. I was in Punjab and my das got Haal-e-dil. My dad told director Anil Devgan that I would be apt for the film. Anil uncle was not sure if I would be interested in the role. He hardly recognised me when I met him at the auditions.

Sunday, June 15, 2008

Interview : Katrina Kaif


Katrina Kaif is on the roll! She had a great start to the year with the superhit film ‘Race’. She had also joined the league of highest paid actress in the industry. Katrina has also been voted as the sexiest woman by a prominent men's magazine. Her tall and curvy structure with an angel like face definitely makes her the most attractive women of the industry. Certainly she is very happy with the good things happening in her life.

Excerpts from an Interview:

You have been voted as the sexiest women alive. How do you feel about it?

(pause) I feel any poll done by audience or public, is always flattering. If it's a magazine which goes overseas it's certainly significant. Tomorrow when I would be a grandma, in my 60s, it would be great to look back and read I was the sexiest woman once.

What’s your definition of being ‘sexy’?

I think it’s about the whole package. It is has more to do with the fans relating to the person. Someone who is not too intimidating or maybe someone who you are not embarrassed to walk around with.

Do you cherish being in this industry?

Certainly. My career was almost doomed when Kaizad Gustad's Boom flopped and I was planning to pack my bag and return. Now with a string of hits like RGV's Sarkar, Partner, Namastey London, Welcome and Race, I feel this is my second home. There were abundant roles which would begin with the word ‘s' and end at ‘y'. But I cautiously stayed away from such roles. I guess it has paid off well.

How do you manage to look good every time you are on screen?

There's a very thin line between being an attractive woman and overtly sexy. I had always kept my preferences intact. For me it's important to be attractive to the family audience. At the same time, it's crucial to have my young fans too.

What are your forthcoming films?

There will be four biggies releasing in the next 14 months. There is Vipul Shah's Singh is Kinng, Subhash Ghai's Yuvraj and an untitled from the Yashraj banner. There’s a Yash Raj film to be directed by Kabir Khan of Kabul Express fame

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Interview : Paresh Rawal

Paresh Rawal is among the best actors one can witness in recent times. He has excelled in the spheres of comedy, emotion, drama and what not. Also he has the fear of getting stereotyped and frequently keeps on experimenting with his roles. He has carved a niche as a comedy actor with films like Hera Pheri, Hulchul, Hungama, Malaamal Weekly and others with Priyadarshan. Once again he is set to work with the director in the new comedy flick ‘Mere Baap Pehle Aap’. In this film releasing this Friday he plays the baap in question while his son Akshaye Khanna, tries to marry him off. About the film and more, let’s find out from him.

Excerpts from an Interview:

The promos of Mere Baap Pehle Aap look interesting. We are eager to learn more about the film.

It is an out and out Priyadarshan film, a complete family entertainer. The film carries a nice story. The shooting was enjoyable as I got to work with Akshaye Khanna after a long time.

You and Priyadarshan seem to have become inseparables!

There is nothing such. He is a very good human being and that’s why I prefer to work with him. He is also successful. He can make films with newcomers. I’m an actor who wants to keep growing with every film. I feel a film is a team effort and one cannot just take away the whole credit. Good script, dialogues, direction, chemistry, everything is important. The audience becomes happy when someone makes them laugh, people feel nice to see me and they smile. That’s why comedy films are so popular. In that way you become popular.

We don’t see you doing much drama now. Why?

There is no category for me as such. My serious roles have earned me respect if comedy has fetched me popularity. I want both. I want commercial success as well as acclaim. Currently I’m doing more comedy because such films are being made. But alongside I also do Yun Hota Toh Kya Hota, remember that. I’m also open to play villain, like I played formerly. People offer me to play Sardar Patel because they know I’m a good actor. I love to work.

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Interview : Akshaye Khanna

Akshaye Khanna had a good start to the year with ‘Race’. He is once again geared to deliver another power-packed performance in his soon to be released ‘Mere Baap Pehle Aap’. This talented actor, although shy and reserves, opens his heart out when it comes to acting. And no wonder why the industry fellow swears up to his name. We had a quick chat with him about the film and more.

Excerpts from an Interview:

With Mere Baap Pehle Aap nearing release, how do you feel?

I’m feeling jitters and bit on the edge. But that’s a part pf business and Friday definitely gives us shivers. All associated with the film feel impatient and anxious to see audience reaction. Taare Zameen Par was a very good film and this one is also a genuinely feel-good film. I hope the audience will enjoy it.

How was it shooting with Paresh Rawal in the film?

In this film I’m playing his son. We genuinely like each other and get along very well. Our chemistry will reflect onscreen. We’ve done almost six films together and it has been an enjoyable experience throughout.

How is your equation with your dad? Did you take any real life instance for the film?

My father has always allowed us to live our life according to our will. But again he has never imposed anything on anybody. He is very much a ‘live and let live’ kind of a guy. We are like friends. In this film also, my relationship with my father is very open.

Do you take failure on your stride as well?

I don’t know how to deal when a film flops and neither do I know how to deal when one is successful either. For me success is more difficult to deal than failure. The bigger the success the more it is difficult to handle. How one deals with it speaks about the person. Success can corrupt you. Upbringing, maturity all plays a role how you deal with both success and failure.

Movie Review : 'Sarkar Raj'

Producer: Pravin Nischol, Ram Gopal Varma
Director: Ram Gopal Varma
Cast: Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Rajesh Shringhapure
Music: Bapi - Tutul

Dark, sinister, sinewy and rugged - 'Sarkar Raj' is Shakespeare on cocaine. Or the lacerated life of a Thackeray-like family with the concept of spatial harmony becoming meaningless because of the disembodied camera movements.

Ram Gopal Varma just doesn't let the characters be. In 'Sarkar', he observed, studied and pondered on the compelling contexts of political powerplay in the Nagare family.

Here he drags the uneasy relationship between patriarch Subhash Nagare (Amitabh Bachchan) and his son (Abhishek) into an arena of exacerbated emotions. You just can't get away from the noise.

Amar Mohile's background score doesn't help the cause. Every discernible space in the soundtrack is saturated with tempestuous sounds straight out of a B-grade horror movie.

In contrast, the three main characters maintain a poise and serenity that defiantly move in a direction opposed to the one Varma has chosen to take this time.

'Sarkar' was a film screaming silences. 'Sarkar Raj' can easily be rechristened 'Sarkar Rage'. Characters bark orders, scream grievances and rave about a socio-political system that fosters inequalities. This is an angry film about an angry young man and his uneasily-calm father who define and demonstrate power in different ways.

Varma cuts across the life and times of the Nagare family, slicing their emotions into messy portions of writhing anguish. The camera seems as restless as the characters, stopping only long enough to capture one of the three protagonists in evocative close-ups.

The Nagares seem determined to bring prosperity to Maharashtra by allowing an NRI entrepreneur (Aishwarya) and her ruthlessly acquisitive father (Victor Banerjee - who is wasted completely) to build a dam that threatens to destroy a cluster of villages.

The film's frames scream for attention and the plot is tense, tactile and non-derivative. The narrative displays a rugged grit, though not much grip. What it tragically lacks are those introspective moments that would have made these wounded, betrayed characters more dense and believable.

Don't blame the actors if the characters just don't connect with the plot - it's not their fault. Blame it on Varma's characteristic uneasiness with emotions. The women are either on silent mode or bumped off quickly. Or in Aishwarya's case, 'the only man in the cabinet'.

'Sarkar' and its sequel are essentially emotional father-son stories.

The emotions in 'Sarkar Raj' converge entirely on Aishwarya's divine face as she becomes the recipient and beacon of all the pent-up resentment, anger and misery that the Nagare family has nurtured.

Aishwarya weeps for the Nagares and for all those dynasties of the world whose heirs have been brutal casualties of power-play and politics. She weeps perhaps for the film's lost cause too.

'Sarkar Raj' could have been what Coppola's 'Godfather 2' was to 'The Godfather'. Instead, Varma shrouds the characters' grief and angst in a cryptic chaos.

What compounds the sense of claustrophobia is that every frame looks cramped.

In two hours of playing time there is not one light moment that one can recall. The two turning points in the plot - the vicious slaying of the characters played by Tanisha and Abhishek jolt us although the movie prepares us for anarchy from the first frame.

The actors do make some interludes very special. Amitabh's sequence with his dying son or the hesitant father-son embrace in the study just couldn't go wrong. They don't.

But you wonder what sort of a mind would script such abject tragedy for a man who lost his first son in 'Sarkar' and his only surviving son in the sequel.

Aishwarya, as the chic industrialist coming to grips with a soio-political order where corruption is a given, could well be seen trying to come to terms with a disembodied world of perverse politics and fragmented family values that Varma has built.

At the end we see Subhash Nagare's sighing wife (Surpriya Pathak) going towards the phone to call their grandson to join the family business - another sequel in the offing?

Monday, June 9, 2008

Interview : Neetu Chandra

She came as one of the promising actors in the industry doing films like ‘Garam Masala’, ‘Traffic Signal’, ‘One Two Three’, and the likes. But now she is making her debut as an item girl in the forthcoming film ‘Summer 2007’ and vows that it’ll be a number worth a watch! It would be very special she says. According to her it would change the definition of item tracks as it arrives as the mother of all item numbers. Summer 2007 arrives on 13th June and before the film hits the theaters, Neetu's item song would be on the air.

Excerpts from an Interview:

We’re surprised that you’re doing an item track. Now that you’re doing it, tell us about it.

In Summer 2007 I have performed on this item number called 'Baali Main Sone Waali'. Now this is what I would call as a hardcore dance number. It is a number with a 'desi' feel to it and is in the same lines as that of Madhuri Dixit's 'Humko Aaj Kal Hai' from the film Sailaab. When I talk about 'Baali Main Sone Waali', I am talking about comparisons with the kind of item numbers that we see today. Now this one is truly different because it shows that how a song can be hot and sensuous even without any cleavage show.

But we haven’t seen you dancing much yet!

Somehow I have been unlucky when it comes to 'real dance'. But now with 'Baali', I see the ice breaking. I have waited long for this opportunity and now when it has finally come my way, I have given it my all to ensure that my dancing 'keeda' is satisfied.

Do you any training in dancing or this was just for fun sake?

See, I am a trained dancer and it was nothing short of being criminal on part of my filmmakers not to have utilized my dancing skills. (she jokes) However, producer Atul Pandey and directed Suhail Tatari thought that I would fit in well as an item girl for Summer 2007. Well, it's their gain!

What do you expect would be the audience reaction?

My producers have promised me that they would bombard the song all over to make a sudden impact. We all understand the power of the song. Now the ball is going to be in the audience's court, who I am sure would make a beeline for the song. Written by Vibha Singh, 'Baali Main Sone Waali' is sung by Sunidhi Chauhan and composed by Gourov Dasgupta of Dus Kahaniyaan fame.

Sunday, June 8, 2008

Interview : Emraan Hashmi


With the audience hooked to IPL, it was almost certain that Bollywood releases would get a miss. But Bhatt’s ‘Jannat’ fairing amidst this situation is a surprise. Emraan Hashmi, who has been lying low all this while, has made a great comeback with the success of the film. And like a wise man he has wasted no time in hiking his price from his regular 1.5 crores to 5 crores.

Excerpts from an Interview:

Posing Jannat against IPL. Weren’t you nervous about the film’s release at a hour when nothing has been working literally?

We were definitely notified not to mix Jannat with IPL when a big film like Tashan had failed. But I was very confident about Jannat and see we managed to get a phenomenal opening. A film stands on its own, and the promos helped. I was having a low phase in my career and I counted on Jannat. It would have been frustrating if the film had failed. Jannat was a do or die situation for me. If it wouldn’t have worked nothing else would have.

You’re joining the big league of actors charging such a fee.

For us equations change with every release, every Friday makes our fate. After a dull phase, the sun has now started shining for me. When only Akshay Kumar and the Khans can manage to woo the audience, I’ve managed to deliver a solo hit.

But your price hike is very significant, isn’t it?

I would say that my price has gone up but again not drastically. I’ve my justification to quote a high price. There has been celebration going in my home. The day Jannat released I bought a BMW, as I was certain about the success of the film.

At this point why did you back out from Warner Brothers film?

I backed out of the project as serious negotiation was on. The only thing remaining to be done was I signing the contract. But they were waiting to see how Jannat would fare. The situation is in my favour now and I’m in a negotiable position now. I’m not ready to sign a film in my old price. It’s my turn to act pricey.

You’re a regular with the Bhatts. What kind of professional relationship you share with them?

Though we are relatives, we share a professional relationship first. But its not that I sign each and every film they offer me. I sign the film only when I’m convinced about it. I don’t accept every film as I’m choosy and I’m even choosier now. A film stands on its own, no matter who makes it. My price rise will be applicable for everyone. I haven’t spoken to them yet, but they are fair when it comes to such matters. I do get offers outside the Bhatt camp and after Jannat, I’m getting better films to do. I would say this is the best time of my career.

Friday, June 6, 2008

Interview : Abhishek Bachchan

Abhishek Bachchan will once again reprise in the role of Shankar Nagre, in the sequel ‘Sarkar Raj’. This Ram Gopal Verma film is making to the theatres today. Also this happens to be the first film of the Bachchan couple, Abhishek and Aishwarya after marriage. About the film and more, let’s find out from Abhsihek in this exclusive interview with him.

Excerpts from an interview:

The promos of the film imply that you’re rendering a serious and sombre character.

Yes my character requires me to be intense, calculating as it is an intense film. The film reels with strong characters and some crucial decisions.

How was it shooting for the sequel of the film?

It’s truly a great opportunity for me to work again with RGV, dad, Aishwarya and the entire crew of the film. Once again rendering Nagre family made me nostalgic. It is a film that makes me proud doing.

As the shooting of the film started soon after your marriage, was Aishwarya nervous during the shoot?

Though it is the first film after marriage, we’ve done many films together and were very comfortable on the sets. It was being the family, chatting and eating together. But in front of the camera Ash became Anita Ranjan and I became Shankar Nagre. She is a wonderful, forthcoming and extremely helpful colleague and it is a delight working for her.

With three Bachchans holding the centre stage at this moment, how do you feel?

All of us have worked very hard in the film and have put on our honest and sincere effort. Sarkar Raj is very entertaining and I hope people will appreciate our work in the film. On the set everybody was an actor. After the wrap is called, we get back to being family. The best part was that we got a lot of quality time together.

When other actors in the industry are jumping into fitness regime, what are you doing?

When everyone gets six-packs, I will be the only one who doesn't have it and it will make me unique. Honestly, I am happy with my one-pack and would like to keep it as long as possible.

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Movie: 'Dhoom Dadakka'

Producer: Shashi Ranjan

Director: Shashi Ranjan

Cast: Sammir Dattani, Shama Sikandar, Shaad Randhawa, Arati Chabria, Anupam Kher, Satish Kaushik, Gulshan Grover

Music: Roop Kumar Rathod

Everyone uniformly hams through this painful piece of cinematic travesty. There is so much screaming and ranting across the length and breadth of this outrageous ode to idiocy that you wonder if the producer-director Shashi Ranjan intended to provide earplugs for all those brave hearts who would sit to the end of this haphazard comedy of terrors.

No earplugs, what we get are shrill banshee ring-tones of risque ragas sung at an ear-splitting pitch, and phallic jokes.

Comedies can't get any baser or brainless than 'Dhoom Dadakka'. The gags make you gag. The items and innuendoes are embarrassing not because they try hard to be vulgar, but because they fail miserably to be sexy.

Vulgarity in this comedy of disembodied context depends completely on how many of the characters are crammed in one line of vision in every scene. They all stand making faces and gesticulating as though trying to attract the lifeguard's attention from a sinking boat.

The double meanings flow is in abundance mostly from the moist painted trembling lips of Deepshikha, who keeps referring to the size of 'big' things every time she spots a male member of the cast in her vicinity.

Before you fall of your creaky bed in comic splendour, let's move on to the main 'coarse' in this pickled over-spiced platter in a hotel that's probably named Romp Teri Giggle Maili.

The two guys, Sammir and Shaad grimace and giggle, roll their eyes and suck in their cheeks to indicate lies buried too deep for jeers. Add two girls - Aarti Chabria and Shama Sikandar trying so hard to be glamorous it's pathetic.

The characterisations take the cult of one-upmanship down to the level of a 'nukkad nautanki', what with every actor getting lost in the confusion of their mistaken identities.

Eventually, the confusions that dominate the plot overpower every sense of aesthetic decency. In the end game where the entire cast runs around an amusement part looking for amusement, the two heroes get into drag to tease laughter out of an audience that's long since ceased to be entertained or amused.

In one chase sequence Shaad pees copiously on a street of Bangkok. You get jailed for dirtying the streets of Bangkok. Alas, there are no laws for desecrating the rules of aesthetics in cinema.

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Movie Review : 'Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na'


Producer: Aamir Khan
Director: Abbas Tyrewala
Cast: Imran Khan, Genelia D'Souza, Karan Makhija, Alishka Varde, Pratiek Babbar, Ratna Pathak, Manjari Fadnis, Ayaz Khan, Sugandha
Music: A.R. Rahman
Singers: A.R. Rahman, Rashid Ali, Vasundhara Das, Benny Dayal, Satish Chakravarthy, Sukhwinder Singh, Naresh Iyer, Swetha Bhargave and Darshana

"Jaane Tu...Ya Jaane Na" is the launch pad of Aamir Khan's nephew Imraan and to play it safe, Aamir has roped in A.R. Rahman for the music. Set against a campus backdrop, the film's music gives us an insight into the other side of the composer.

Newcomer Rashid Ali can thank Rahman for a great debut as he croons to "Kabhi kabhi aditi", a romantic fun piece. The track doesn't sound much like a Rahman composition, but is nevertheless an enjoyable song as Rashid's vocals gives it a youthful touch. Lyricist Abbas Tyrewala ensures sure his lyrics don't disappoint either.

"Jaane tu mera kya hai" helps the album pick up once again. This track has a repeat value and can pull anyone into its sombre mood. Sung by Runa Rizvi and written by Abbas, the sad and emotional number revolves around the female protagonist and will definitely find a place among listeners.

Sukhwinder Singh renders the second version of the track that revolves around the male protagonist. In spite of being a regular with these kind of songs, he doesn't sound repetitive. Lyrics are touchy and poetic, courtesy Abbas.

The long list of newcomers that forms part of the album finally gives way to the composer himself. Rahman croons another very-unlike-himself track, "Tu Bole Main Boloon", yet the song doesn't upset. It belongs to the genre of jazz with saxophones, violins and pianos thrown in. It carries with it a very contemporary, western feel.

Rahman dives into Indi-pop next for "Kahin to". Listeners get a breather in the form of Vasundhara Das, whose brilliant voice is being heard after a long gap. A slow paced number, the song also has Rashid's voice and encompasses the ingredients of a slow-moving, romantic track. However, Abbas's lyrics are not so impressive.

Rahman's attempt at experimenting with new and different sounds for the album may not have resulted in chartbuster hits, but the attempt is worth hearing. Like Naresh Iyer in "Rang De Basanti", the surprise package of this album is Rashid.

Monday, June 2, 2008

Interview: Kareena Kapoor


It’s Kareena Kapoor who is stealing the attention at the moment. There are lots of new things happening for her - zero size figure, arm candy boyfriend Saif Ali Khan and many news about her is making the media frenzy. One of the top list heroines, in terms of popularity, remuneration and glamour, Kareena’s name can sell a film. She is currently in Melbourne speaking to us.

Excerpts from an Interview:

You’ve in Melbourne for pretty sometime now.

Yes it has been 25 days already and I won’t be back to Bombay until August. From here I’ll go to IIFA at Bangkok where I’ll be performing. I’ve been invited there as I’ve suggestion for Jab We Met and I’m getting a good amount to perform there. I've been to all the award functions and I didn’t want to miss out on IIFA.

You along with the Bachchcans at the IIFA, that’s news?

I’m a professional. It’s a different thing altogether that we don’t want to work with each other.

Your zero size figures are garnering lots of attention.

I’ve also been hearing that it's zero-point-five centimeter and all that stuff. I have no idea why my figure is becoming a national issue. Even my weight issues are being monitored, phew! For Tashan I lost six kilos. So the weight loss was obvious. I attained it through yoga. But now I’ve gained some weight. I'm into Thai food, desserts, Chinese; I'm not dieting any more. I'm eating and exercising, I'm a healthy Kapoor.

But you become anorexic.

I've never been anorexic. These are just stories about me. I’m not the kind to faint on sets.

How is the relationship between you and Saif going?

We’re madly in love. We are trying to spend as much time together. At the moment I’m doing five films and he believes in doing one at a time. Marriage is in cards but not before three years. Mum and Saif are in touch through SMS and they get along very well. His parents are also okay with the relationship, we’ve had meals together.

How have you taken Tashan?

I’ve liked my bikini shot and Akshay Kumar. Tashan is particular because I met Saif there.

Sunday, June 1, 2008

Interview : Rani Mukherjee


Bollywood queen Rani Mukherjee stood up to her name sometime back. But with a series of flops in her past releases, Rani soon slipped down. Her last three film released in 2007 has not met with success. Now the actress is desperately wanting a hit. And what better, she can cash on than some magic at the box-office with her forthcoming film 'Thoda Pyar Thoda Magic'. Produced under Yash Raj banner jointly with Kunal Kohli, Rani will be seen playing an angel in the film. In this interview lets's find out about the film and more from her.

Excerpts from an Interview:

Thoda Pyar Thoda Magic is a sweet name. Tell us do you believe in angels and magic?

I do believe in god, angels and good soul. Also I believe that everyone has a guardian angel.

You were enjoying a good time in your career. But your 2007 releases brought a halt to it. Comments.

Certainly last year was not good for me as far as my career was concerned. Though I had some cruial releases they did not meet with good fate at the box office. Thoda Pyar Thoda Magic is my first release of 2008. It's a nice and sweet film. I get an opportunity to work with Yash Raj banner again. With Kunal Kohli and Saif Ali Khan my association continues.

Do you blame the media for giving too much focus on your private life?

There were too many rumours doing the rounds in the media about my relationship and marriage. But I prefer not to speak about them. I'll speak to the media only about my professional life not private.

What are your expectations from Thoda Pyar Thoda Magic?

Let's wait until the film's release and see if the film is able to create magic at the box office. (smiles)