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The music launch of the costliest film ROBOT starring the 2 biggest stars of the country, Rajnikanth & Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, couldn't have asked for more. What with two icons of the Indian film industry - Amitabh Bachchan and Rajnikant sharing the dais after a long long time.
The best of the best came to mark the grand affair held at a suburban five star in Mumbai. The entire Bachchan family - Amitabh, Jaya, Abhishek and Aishwarya, Media magnate & Producer Kalanithi Maran of Sun TV Network, Hansraj Saxena, COO, of Sun Pictures (a division of Sun TV Network) along with the lead cast & crew of the film consisting of Superstar Rajnikanth, Oscar winners - music maestro A R Rahman & sound engineer Resul Pookutty, Music moghuls Ganesh Jain, Ratan Jain, Champak Jain of Venus Records & Tapes, director Shankar, Sabu Cyril, legendary Danny Denzongpa, were present on the occasion. Several other filmmakers had been seen gracing the affair.
Amitabh Bachchan, who was the chief guest, unveiled the music of ROBOT, distributed by Venus.
The high point of the event was Big B & Rajnikanth's acknowledgement for each other and Rajni's candid speech, which had everyone in splits. Rajnikanth said, 'Amitabh is my inspiration, role model and guru. I have always valued his advice while taking important decisions. We have done so many films together like ANDHA KANOON, HUM, GIRAFTAR, and I can never forget the love, affection and care he showered on me'
To which Amitabh Bachchan replied, 'Rajnikanth is truly a son-of-the soil who is admired and loved by every Indian. I am just so honoured and happy that I met a personality like Rajnikanth. And I am so happy that I was able to spend some time of my life with him and learn so much from him. His simplicity, honesty, and down-to-the-earth nature has always impressed me. I admire him because of his tender heart and humility. He is so grounded despite the adulation and fame he has enjoyed throughout his career.'
'Many a times there were some very tough decisions to be taken, at that point I always remembered him as a colleague and a very dear friend and tried to think what Rajni would have done if he had been in this particular situation and I've always found a capable answer, despite of the tumult circumstances & stressful situations,' he further added.
Co-star Aishwraya Rai Bachchan, who looked pristine & breathtakingly beautiful in her kundan and jadau work Anarkali dress, said, 'ROBOT (ENDHIRAN) is a sincere effort. It is a landmark film in cinematic experience. Rajni sir is a legend. He is just an incredible artist, so dedicated, so committed and above all a wonderful human being. It's truly humbling to be working with such a phenomena and I am grateful. I had the privilege of working with director Shankar very early in my career for the film JEANS. Though it was ahead of its time but I felt enriched as an artist.'
The film originally made in Tamil, called ENDHIRAN, will also be released in Hindi and Telugu.
Amitabh Bachchan, who was the chief guest, unveiled the music of ROBOT, distributed by Venus.
The high point of the event was Big B & Rajnikanth's acknowledgement for each other and Rajni's candid speech, which had everyone in splits. Rajnikanth said, 'Amitabh is my inspiration, role model and guru. I have always valued his advice while taking important decisions. We have done so many films together like ANDHA KANOON, HUM, GIRAFTAR, and I can never forget the love, affection and care he showered on me'
To which Amitabh Bachchan replied, 'Rajnikanth is truly a son-of-the soil who is admired and loved by every Indian. I am just so honoured and happy that I met a personality like Rajnikanth. And I am so happy that I was able to spend some time of my life with him and learn so much from him. His simplicity, honesty, and down-to-the-earth nature has always impressed me. I admire him because of his tender heart and humility. He is so grounded despite the adulation and fame he has enjoyed throughout his career.'
'Many a times there were some very tough decisions to be taken, at that point I always remembered him as a colleague and a very dear friend and tried to think what Rajni would have done if he had been in this particular situation and I've always found a capable answer, despite of the tumult circumstances & stressful situations,' he further added.
Co-star Aishwraya Rai Bachchan, who looked pristine & breathtakingly beautiful in her kundan and jadau work Anarkali dress, said, 'ROBOT (ENDHIRAN) is a sincere effort. It is a landmark film in cinematic experience. Rajni sir is a legend. He is just an incredible artist, so dedicated, so committed and above all a wonderful human being. It's truly humbling to be working with such a phenomena and I am grateful. I had the privilege of working with director Shankar very early in my career for the film JEANS. Though it was ahead of its time but I felt enriched as an artist.'
The film originally made in Tamil, called ENDHIRAN, will also be released in Hindi and Telugu.
Though Rajnikanth is one of the most sought after stars of the country and every other filmmaker looks forward to work with him yet he wasn't the first choice for the much touted sci-fi film ROBOT.
Reveals the south megastar in his witty style, 'Initially Shankar approached Kamal Hassan & Shahrukh Khan for this film. They were the first choice for it. However it eventually came to me. As they say Daane Daane pe likha hai Khaane waale ka naam (it was destined for me)'
ROBOT is Rajnikanth's second consecutive film with Shankar, with whom he did his previous blockbuster SIVAJI - THE BOSS. And it is because of this trust which made him take up this role. 'Shankar is an excellent technician and one of the best directors of India who can mix the class and commercial elements very well. I did SIVAJI with him and I trust him completely, so I agreed to do the film - else I would have not done the film as it is a very tough and challenging role,' said Rajni.
Further Rajni compared ROBOT to the cult Hindi film SHOLAY, which is still fondly remembered. 'Around Rs 160 crore has been invested to make the film. SHOLAY made history not because of the money or budget involved, not because it was a multi-starrer, not because of the technicalities, but because of its subject, superb characterization. So like SHOLAY, in ROBOT too there is an excellent storyline, excellent character sketches. This is the first Indian story of its type. It's science fiction and excellently made. And I am guaranteeing it.'
Well after coming from Rajni we are all the more eager to check out his sci-fi extravaganza ROBOT.
Reveals the south megastar in his witty style, 'Initially Shankar approached Kamal Hassan & Shahrukh Khan for this film. They were the first choice for it. However it eventually came to me. As they say Daane Daane pe likha hai Khaane waale ka naam (it was destined for me)'
Further Rajni compared ROBOT to the cult Hindi film SHOLAY, which is still fondly remembered. 'Around Rs 160 crore has been invested to make the film. SHOLAY made history not because of the money or budget involved, not because it was a multi-starrer, not because of the technicalities, but because of its subject, superb characterization. So like SHOLAY, in ROBOT too there is an excellent storyline, excellent character sketches. This is the first Indian story of its type. It's science fiction and excellently made. And I am guaranteeing it.'
Well after coming from Rajni we are all the more eager to check out his sci-fi extravaganza ROBOT.
When in doubt, ask the Stars! Would Deepika be open to dating fans also once in a while? Or are Deepika's link-ups with various co-stars just a marketing gimmick? Is Neil Nitin Mukesh keen to keep his single status or looking for his lady love? Will Deepika get back with Ranbir?
These are just a few of the several questions which will be answered by the stars in an absolutely candid conversation with their fans.
When asked by a fan about the secret of her several link-ups, Deepika says, "Is there a secret? I think the secret is Marketing!"
"As far as women are concerned, I don't know what is keeping them away from me but that is an answer that only the women can give." says Neil when put on the spot about his single status.
The conversations with callers went from downright outrageous to on-air proposals. LAFANGEY PARINDEY stars Neil Nitin Mukesh & Deepika Padukone talk to fans about love, life & everything else on Ring A Star only on zoOm.
These are just a few of the several questions which will be answered by the stars in an absolutely candid conversation with their fans.
When asked by a fan about the secret of her several link-ups, Deepika says, "Is there a secret? I think the secret is Marketing!"
"As far as women are concerned, I don't know what is keeping them away from me but that is an answer that only the women can give." says Neil when put on the spot about his single status.
The conversations with callers went from downright outrageous to on-air proposals. LAFANGEY PARINDEY stars Neil Nitin Mukesh & Deepika Padukone talk to fans about love, life & everything else on Ring A Star only on zoOm.
A source who revealed this story to us says, "Kim has reportedly married the African guy. The two fell in love in the first sight only. The source further adds that Kim is making all efforts to keep her secret marriage under wraps but she's worried since some select scribes have got a whiff of her latest doing."
Now, after much reading into her private life, let's hope this story puts an end to Kim's tumultuous love life.
Salman Khan is perceived exactly as the title of his forthcoming film- DABANGG (meaning fearless). He is headstrong and known to have his own way. But did you know that he too has his set of fears?
Says Salman, "There are some things which you are fearless and there are some which you fear a lot. I just hope that my family and friends remain together. I have the fear of losing my loved ones. Everyone should remain hail and hearty."
The actor further added, "As far as career goes, I don't have any fears. I am in the industry for more than 20 years. The younger generation might be having that insecurity."
Directed by Abhinav Kashyap, DABANGG also stars Sonakshi Sinha and is all set to release on September 10.
The actor further added, "As far as career goes, I don't have any fears. I am in the industry for more than 20 years. The younger generation might be having that insecurity."
Directed by Abhinav Kashyap, DABANGG also stars Sonakshi Sinha and is all set to release on September 10.
The movie is directed by Mani Shankar and stars Sanjay Dutt, Irrfan Khan, Kangana Ranaut, Gulshan Grover, Sushant Singh. There is a special appearance by Rukhsar and the film introduces Apoorva Lakhia.
The Story/Screenplay is by Mani Shankar, Dialogues by Shiraz Ahmed, Music by Vishal Shekhar. The D.O.P. is N. Natarajan Subramaniam, Action Director is Alan Amin, Editor is Bunti Nagi, Executive Producer is Hussain Shaikh & Co-producer is S Naga Raja Rao.
Joey Ansh and Silvo Simac are the action choreographers. The Sound design is by Andrew Ballati, Production Design by Priya Suhas, Vfx & Diand Sound by Future Works; Campaign Creative by Epigram & Media Consultant is Parag Desai (Universal Communications).
The first look of the movie and the theatrical promo will be out on 27th August 2010.
Much was written about the love lost between Shahid and Vishal. Now, the two have patched for good and might soon work together again.
Shahid and Vishal had huge creative differences while making the film KAMINEY. Now, the two recently met in London and put an end to their cold chemistry.
Vishal was in London in connection with his film SAAT KHOON MAAF and Shahid too was there shooting for his dad's film MAUSAM.
Says a source close to Koena, "Gina is a huge name in Hollywood courtesy the work she has done for the likes of Will Smith, Snoop Dogg, pop singer band TLC, the pop singer Ashanti and many more. The print, colour and fabric used for the bags are selected after paying careful attention to the personality of the owner. Koena's eyes, vivacious personality, a strong mind and her sense of style would be some of the themes that Gina is exploring for the range."
Highlight of this collection would be celebration of India and its culture.
Says Koena from Los Angeles where she recently attended the Hollywood's Teen Choice Awards 2010 and was the only Indian to be invited, "These designer bags would be a huge opportunity to further bring India closer to the West. We have a rich culture and a history of thousands of years. Gina's designs would have references to Goddess Durga, her three 'netras', Elephant God Ganpati and more."
Buzz has it that the designs are being created for free of cost and the proceeds of the sale of these bags would be given to charity. Also, Koena would be donating the sales of her signature collection bags to the cause of awareness of breast cancer.
"I guess this also has to do with the fact that today's generation of actors has become very mature. They understand business and also the intricacies of the film business", comments Shazahn when asked about her attitude when it comes to lows and peaks in one's career, "I don't think anyone is pretentious anymore."
Another strong trait that Shazahn carries is to call a spade a spade without offending anyone's sentiments or coming across as someone who is overtly harsh or blunt.
"See, I have lived my life saying things on face. So what if ROCKET SINGH... didn't work? its fine that happens to everyone in the business", Shazahn maintains her calm, "It is best to be honest in life and admit to things that may have not worked as expected. The more you beat around the bush, more are the chances that you may just go bad."
Positive about the future, Shazahn philosophizes, "It was just my first film. In future, I would have so many more films to show my acting talent. I am very confident as an actor, mainly because I have done theatre to prove that. It is all about believing in yourself. I know I will do well."
Well girl, you have our best wishes here!
Reigning steady at her Numero Uno position Kareena Kapoor was the only female to feature alongside three powerhouse males in the country - MS Dhoni Shahrukh Khan and Sachin Tendulkar.
Says a source, "Kareena Kapoor has reached phenomenal heights and the numbers go to prove it. She had the maximum ad volumes of celebrity endorsement (FMCG brands) on TV during 2009 as well."
The actress will soon be seen in Karan Johar's WE ARE FAMILY, beau Saif Ali Khan's AGENT VINOD and Rohit Shetty's GOLMAAL
The stylishly made AISHA has had an instant connect with the youth & female audiences, and is now being referred to as an effervescent coming-of-age film for the Indian Film Industry.
Commenting on this Mr. Deepak Sharma, Head - Worldwide Distribution, PVR Pictures said, "We are extremely delighted with AISHA's initial response at the box office and expect the film to set a new benchmark for female protagonist centric films in India."
Being a complex comedy with an issue of sexual harassment, which is very topical today, the film has been given 'Adult' certificate by Censor Board of India.
Producer Ashok Ghai reacted to the 'A' certificate saying, "I am not surprised with an 'A' certificate since there have to be few scenes dealing with sexual harassment in the story which we can not afford to delete. Still the film is a feel-good, light comedy without vulgarity, so adults in a family can comfortably watch this entertaining film which has a strong message."
The film stars Gul Panaag, Celina Jaitly, Eesha Koppikhar and Jaaved Jaffery and Divya Dutta with music by Pritam. It is directed by debutant Manoj Tiwari under the banner Malpix Films.
We are obviously referring to GOLMAAL. What followed was GOLMAAL RETURNS in 2008 and the multi-starrer turned out to be an even bigger hit and Ajay had arrived as a comedy star.
Some may wonder why we are not mentioning the team's last laugh riot, ALL THE BEST. Well, even though the similarities were obvious, the makers never tried to sell it off as a GOLMAAL franchise and moreover it was not a major success unlike the other two; GOLMAAL and GOLMAAL RETURNS.
As is known this Diwali will see the release of GOLMAAL 3 and the know alls of film business predict another success for the Ajay-Shetty team. They even say that GOLMAAL is now a brand name and so the audience will naturally look forward to some pure wholesome entertainment from the film as in the past.
Well, here's wishing a third triumph for the GOLMAAL team!
Well, it is being said that the pretty lady has donated her signing amount, which she received for her debut film DABANGG, to Salman Khan's Being Human Foundation.
Salman Khan gave her an opportunity to act as his leading lady in his home production, DABANGG. Sonakshi Sinha, in return, decided to say 'thank you' for this once-in-a-lifetime chance by donating the first cheque to the actor's foundation. And, we hear, Sonakshi has no regrets about it.
It's rare to see such benevolence coming from newcomers and Shatrughn Sinha's beautiful daughter has proved that she has a heart of gold. We wonder if Sallu was the inspiration behind this act.
Sources from the unit of BE CAREFUL mention that the way Shillpi handled the whole bikini scene is surely going to give many of her competitors a cold sweat and the industry a beautiful face along with an amazing body.
Shillpi Sharma is best known for her super hot role of a police officer in the Sunny Deol starrer film, JO BOLE SO NIHAAL.
The transition from being a fashion designer to a debutante opposite Bollywood superstar Salman Khan happened so fast that the gorgeous Sonakshi Sinha is still short for words.
Sonakshi who plays the coy Rajo in DABANGG considers herself extremely lucky to be part of the project.
"Most people opt for the glamour way to begin with but the role of Rajo was something I couldn't refuse. DABANGG has been a perfect platform for me and very few people get that in their very first film," adds Sonakshi.
Arbaaz Khan Productions' DABANGG, the ultimate Hindi pulp entertainer was a dream come true for Sonakshi who calls the film a perfect package with just the right producer, director, script and off course her co-star and mentor Salman Khan.
Says Sonakshi Sinha, "Salman is an amazing co-star to have. Never once did he make me feel like a newcomer. He is always full of inputs, advice and inspiration. Our families have known each other for a while now so the comfort level has always been there. He has always pushed me to better myself in every way, be it fitness, acting and even overall personality! Have to say, DABANGG was a whole lot smoother process for me because he was there as a mentor and guide."
Overwhelmed with the response the promos of the film have generated, adds Sonakshi "When I started shooting, the scale at which the film would turn out to be, didn't occur to me at all. Halfway into it, I realised that this is just getting bigger and better. I have a great feeling about this film."
Sonakshi who plays the coy Rajo in DABANGG considers herself extremely lucky to be part of the project.
"Most people opt for the glamour way to begin with but the role of Rajo was something I couldn't refuse. DABANGG has been a perfect platform for me and very few people get that in their very first film," adds Sonakshi.
Says Sonakshi Sinha, "Salman is an amazing co-star to have. Never once did he make me feel like a newcomer. He is always full of inputs, advice and inspiration. Our families have known each other for a while now so the comfort level has always been there. He has always pushed me to better myself in every way, be it fitness, acting and even overall personality! Have to say, DABANGG was a whole lot smoother process for me because he was there as a mentor and guide."
Overwhelmed with the response the promos of the film have generated, adds Sonakshi "When I started shooting, the scale at which the film would turn out to be, didn't occur to me at all. Halfway into it, I realised that this is just getting bigger and better. I have a great feeling about this film."
"I guess all of this was only a blessing in disguise because now I could start taking further risks", Abhay lightens up here, "I could now afford to do films like DEV D and OYE LUCKY LUCKY OYE because taking such risks was worthy enough. As for some of my earlier films, it was my naivety and gullibility that they saw such disappointing releases. I was so clueless about the whole marketing. However, now I have learnt as I have moved along."
No wonder, he was totally on board when the release and promotion of ROAD, MOVIE came along. Made for a niche segment of audience, it again fetched some good critical acclaim for the actor. Now that he has a film like AISHA lined up and shooting of ZINDAGI NA MILEGI DOBARA going on in full swing, does he feel that in half a decade gone by, he has planned his innings quite well?
"Honestly speaking, five years back I always wanted to do stuff that was going to be non-Bollywood. I carried this sense right from my childhood days", confesses Abhay, "However, don't take me wrong. I was never like 'Hey, I am different, so things have to move my way'. I had to enter the industry and see if I can act and then also demonstrate it to people. After that, I put down rules for myself around what I could do and perhaps couldn't do."
Well, the way audience are continuing to shower him with all the compliments and appreciations, seems like the set of rules are really paying off for the non-conformist actor.
Ajay Devgn has always been famed for doing daring action sequences. Moreover, he has always believed in performing his own stunts. He made a rather grand entry into celluloid by standing atop two moving motorcycles in his debut movie PHOOL AUR KAANTE.
In his recently released hit movie ONCE UPON A TIME IN MUMBAAI, Ajay once again teamed up with his KACHCHE DHAAGE director Milan Luthria. Milan and Ajay had done a much acclaimed train sequence in the very successful KACHCHE DHAAGE.
Age has not brought down the fit actor even today as he insists and continues doing his own stunts. In ONCE UPON A TIME IN MUMBAAI Ajay Devgn pulled off a similar perilous train sequence. A camera rig was attached to the side of the train which was to pass Ajay Devgn. The train was traveling at over 100 kmph and it was very important for Ajay to find his balance or else something could have gone horribly wrong. The 50 kg camera rig came within three inches of Ajay Devgn's face and he did the scene without even flinching a bit. Thus, there was a lot of danger involved as Ajay was placed only inches away from the speeding train. Fortunately, the scene went off smoothly without any mishaps.
Well, with such a powerful star cast and abundant realistic sequences, we're not surprised that the movie has emerged to be a super hit!
In his recently released hit movie ONCE UPON A TIME IN MUMBAAI, Ajay once again teamed up with his KACHCHE DHAAGE director Milan Luthria. Milan and Ajay had done a much acclaimed train sequence in the very successful KACHCHE DHAAGE.
Well, with such a powerful star cast and abundant realistic sequences, we're not surprised that the movie has emerged to be a super hit!
KHATTA MEETHA has released and turned out to be a moderate success. While the film has been an Akshay Kumar dominated show, many feel that there could have been more meat in the role of leading lady Trisha. Now that she can look at the film in retrospective, doesn't Trisha too feel that she could have debuted with a role that could have offered her much bigger platform to perform?
'No, I have absolutely no regrets whatsoever about KHATTA MEETHA ,' immediately says Trisha, 'Honestly, what I was looking for was a package for my first ever Hindi film and it couldn't have been better with Akshay Kumar and Priyadarshan. I knew exactly I was getting into so there was no point of me feeling short-changed.'
Still, for someone who comes with 30 plus films down South, wasn't it imperative that she could have enjoyed a strong hero-heroine angle where she could do something quintessential Bollywood? After all not many at her age are expected to play a Municipal Commissioner's role?
Laughs Trisha, 'A lot of people have asked me this question but then it's okay. I look at it this way that how many leading ladies actually get to play the role of a Commissioner? As for my characterisation in the film, then well Priyadarshan had a complete picture about the film and I fitted in there. I abided his vision.'
She continues to stay positive about her debut and further states, 'What I am happy about is that I got some good reviews coming my way. People may have questions around my role but not my performance. That was a good take away from the film. No one said that I was bad.'
Still, for someone who comes with 30 plus films down South, wasn't it imperative that she could have enjoyed a strong hero-heroine angle where she could do something quintessential Bollywood? After all not many at her age are expected to play a Municipal Commissioner's role?
Laughs Trisha, 'A lot of people have asked me this question but then it's okay. I look at it this way that how many leading ladies actually get to play the role of a Commissioner? As for my characterisation in the film, then well Priyadarshan had a complete picture about the film and I fitted in there. I abided his vision.'
She continues to stay positive about her debut and further states, 'What I am happy about is that I got some good reviews coming my way. People may have questions around my role but not my performance. That was a good take away from the film. No one said that I was bad.'
Balaji and Milan Luthria's ONCE UPON A TIME IN MUMBAAI starring Ajay Devgn, Emraan Hashmi, Kangana Ranaut and Prachi Desai has much reason to celebrate as the film opened to outstanding collections.
Cinemax India president - sales, marketing and operations Devang Sampat said, 'The opening of ONCE UPON A TIME IN MUMBAAI was excellent, it opened at around 80 per cent and is still growing. In places like Gujarat and Nasik, the occupancy was 100 per cent.'
Inox Leisure associate vice president Rajender Singh Jyala said, 'ONCE UPON A TIME IN MUMBAAI opened very well, with some of the morning shows even running full.'
Seen through the eyes of a police officer, ONCE UPON A TIME IN MUMBAAI traces the changing face of the Mumbai underworld. The film, set primarily in 1970 Mumbai, follows the rise of Sultan (Ajay Devgn), and his eventual fall, when his protege Shoaib (Emraan Hashmi), challenges his supremacy, and usurps power to rule the murky underbelly of Mumbai.
ONCE UPON A TIME IN MUMBAAI -a super-entertaining rewind to the era of romance, smuggling, cabaret and the mafia also had the industry tweeting about the film. Award winning director Madhur Bhandarkar tweeted, 'Saw Once Upon A Time In Mumbai. Is a great cinematic experience of 80s era Ajay Devgn and Emran Hashmi's performances rock. After a long time full claptrap, total paisa vasool, more power to Ekta Kapoor and Milan Lutharia.'
Says an elated Ekta Kapoor, 'I'm very happy with the response the film has received. The collections have been outstanding and all our hard work on the movie has borne fruit.'
Cinemax India president - sales, marketing and operations Devang Sampat said, 'The opening of ONCE UPON A TIME IN MUMBAAI was excellent, it opened at around 80 per cent and is still growing. In places like Gujarat and Nasik, the occupancy was 100 per cent.'
Seen through the eyes of a police officer, ONCE UPON A TIME IN MUMBAAI traces the changing face of the Mumbai underworld. The film, set primarily in 1970 Mumbai, follows the rise of Sultan (Ajay Devgn), and his eventual fall, when his protege Shoaib (Emraan Hashmi), challenges his supremacy, and usurps power to rule the murky underbelly of Mumbai.
ONCE UPON A TIME IN MUMBAAI -a super-entertaining rewind to the era of romance, smuggling, cabaret and the mafia also had the industry tweeting about the film. Award winning director Madhur Bhandarkar tweeted, 'Saw Once Upon A Time In Mumbai. Is a great cinematic experience of 80s era Ajay Devgn and Emran Hashmi's performances rock. After a long time full claptrap, total paisa vasool, more power to Ekta Kapoor and Milan Lutharia.'
Says an elated Ekta Kapoor, 'I'm very happy with the response the film has received. The collections have been outstanding and all our hard work on the movie has borne fruit.'