gossip artis HOLLYWOOD~BOLLYWOOD~MALAYWOOD

The much talked about Upendra`s News directed by Maheshwar is the story of a newspaper reporter Guru (Upendra) who sets out to investigate the mystery behind another newspaper which is always first to publish sensational stories.
Guru is deputed by the editor (Ashok) of `Super News` a leading newspaper to find out how Devaraj (Nasser) the editor of `Number 1` always comes out with sensational stories first. Along with Pooja (Reema Sen), Guru comes to stay near Divya`s (Renuka Menon) house as they suspect her to be behind all the `breaking news`.

Actually Divya gets premonitions during full moon nights and Devaraj uses her to get sensational stories of crimes even before they really happen. How Guru and Pooja unravel this mystery behind Divya`s dreams forms the rest of this story.

Upendra is as usual good in action scenes though he has not been well utilized. Renuka Menon scores above Reema Sen in most of the scenes, while Nassar hams. Guru Kiran`s songs are good especially the one compiling all newspapers and magazines `Good Morning India Today???` and `Nanu Jeetendra neenu siridevi`. On the whole the film is lengthy and could have been more racy in narration.



[ Last edited by  Gadis_Venus at 4-8-2006 04:52 PM ]

Delicately boned with a face that can launch a million products, A student of psychology Amrita was always fascinated by acting, but never in her wildest dreams had she thought that one day she would pursue it - "Especially because I had no contacts in the film industry at all. I thought it was tough battle if one wanted to establish oneself here. I guess I was destined to be here!"

Having modeled for nearly 35 ads, her decision to act in films didn't come as a surprise. What came as a surprise was that unlike other models who dropped out of college to pursue their careers, Amrita Rao preferred to thumb down film offers to complete her graduation in psychology. And she has a word of advise for all those aspiring to make it big in this profession. "Don't be disillusioned and depressed if you don't get a worthy opportunity here. There are other fields you can excel in!"

Her first modeling assignment was for a fairness cream. "When I was told I would have to audition for it, I said, "Audition?" The word itself made me feel jittery. Thankfully I was not camera conscious. The little bit of acting that I did after reading the storyboard appealed to them. I got through it successfully," she laughs. But it was the Close-up toothpaste ad that made her a familiar face in the ad world.

If the Close-up ad fetched her recognition, the Cadbury's Perk ad offered her platform to step into films. "You know Perk and Liril are two brands that get you noticed as a model. The girl always stands out in the ads," she says. Perk had the beautiful but hungry Amrita dressed in bridal attire eagerly waiting for the moon to be seen, but even before it appears her hubby hands her a perk that has a smiling with delight. "Raj Kanwar saw that ad and got touch with me. He told me about Ab Ke Baras and how it was Arya Babbar's launch vehicle and that I was perfect to play the lead opposite him in the film."

She continues, "There are several reasons why I decided to choose Ab Ke Baras as my first film. Firstly Raj Kanwar is one director who has given several hit films like Deewana, Judaai, Laadla. Secondly, I was making a debut opposite Arya, who is Raj Babbar's son, and we all know what an excellent actor Rajji is. And thirdly and most importantly or critically, it is the role that I get to play in the film. Since Ab Ke Baras has a reincarnation theme and I get to portray two different characters in the film. I could not have asked for anything better. Otherwise what do newcomers get to do in their first film-dance over a couple of songs, say a few dialogues and that's it!"

Rajkumar Santoshi approached Amrita after seeing her in a coffee ad. "In fact, Santoshi was one of the directors who had contacted me after watching the Perk ad. I had to turn down his film offer because I wanted to concentrate on my studies. When he approached me for The Legend Of Bhagat Singh, Rajkumar Santoshi made it clear to me that it was very brief role and would not require more than five days to complete it. I agreed immediately because I got to play Bhagat Singh's fianc

Priyanka's first movie to release next month

Do you know that former Miss World Priyanka Chopra who is running in the Number One race in Bollywood today hasn't yet seen her first movie that remains canned even today. However, the producer of the ill-fated movie G. Venkateswar says that the movie would release soon, both in Hindi and Tamil. While Priyanka was keen on doing Hindi movies following her crowning as Miss World, she didn't get one. So, she accepted the offer for a film from south. Meanwhile Priyanka got offers from giants like Sunil Darshan and Anil Sharma and got busy shooting for them. Hence, she didn't find time to complete her southern venture. And, when she found dates for it's shooting and completed it, the director and the financier had a dispute between them. According to reports, Raj Ahuja has now taken over the movie from Venkateswar and wants to release the same though with a new title. Most probably, the movie will release next month. Isn't Priyanka anxiously waiting to see her first product enter theaters?



[ Last edited by Gadis_Venus at 17-10-2005 05:32 PM ]

John for new image

John Abraham, who is very popular among the producers and the directors because of his clean image and straightforwardness, is now busy in changing his earlier image of 'Jism'. In 'Jism' he starred opposite sexy girl Bipasha and enacted many a bold scene. He used to remove his shirt to show his chest like Salman Khan. After his success in 'Dhoom' and the recently released 'Virudh', John is determined to create his image of a serious actor. Hence, John's forthcoming movies will be quite different from his earlier movies. However, John seems to be worried in his personal life following the media reports of his link-up with Hema Malini's daughter and his colleague in 'Dhoom' Esha Deol. This has embarrassed him in a lot in his relationship with his girlfriend Bipasha Basu. That's why John reaffirms his thick relations with Bipasha and none other, in all his interviews with the media.



[ Last edited by  Gadis_Venus at 4-8-2006 04:55 PM ]

Akshay ready to pair with Priyanka

Akshay Kumar is ready to pair with his hit girl Priyanka Chopra. Will he dare it against the wishes of his sweet love Twinkle Khanna? Yes, why not. Akshay has categorically said, " We would like to work with one another. We are professionals." He wonders why he would say no to pair with a person who has brought cent percent success to their movies. He would work with Priyanka if he comes across a good script. Meanwhile, Priyanka has clarified that only Aishwarya Rai would act as Umrao Jaan in J.P.Dutta's 'Umrao Jaan'. She is the most suitable person to act in that role. She explains that she had agreed to act in Dutta's movie, as she was unaware that Aish had already been assigned this job. " In fact, I had agreed because I was free on those dates after Hrithik Roshan had been hurt during the 'Krish' shooting. And, this provided me an opportunity to fulfill my cherished wish to act with Abhishek Bachchan."

Akshay Kumar


Priyanka Chopra


[ Last edited by Gadis_Venus at 14-1-2006 04:06 PM ]

Kajol begins second innings

Kajol who has bagged a number of awards for her acting in the past is returning to filmdom next month for her second innings. She will begin with Yash Chopra's new movie. Yes, she had left movies some two years ago to become a mother. Now, she has begun with ad films, separately and along with her hubby. This time round she has made her entry through the Yash Chopra camp rather than her friend Karan Johar. It is said that the movie being directed by Kunal Kohli will soon be on the floor as and when the script and the location are finalized. Aditya Chopra has decided to complete it in one schedule of 60 days. Kajol has given continuous dates. Besides, she will be doing a mega budget movie for Karan Johar, starring among others Shah Rukh Khan and Ajay Devgan. Interestingly, she will be acting as Shah Rukh's heroine. Believe it that she would soon pose a challenge to other heroines!

Mahima's new friend

Since the break-up with her boyfriend tennis ace Leander Paes, Mahima Chaudhry has been linked up with several names, but all those appear to be wrong. She is stated to be serious this time round with Jatin Grewal. Jatin has been a model before entering into the filmdom in Subhash Ghai's 'Rahul directed by Prakash Jha. Besides, Jatin and Mahima have been friends since Jatin's modeling days. However, their relations have become serious only recently. Mahima has confirmed it to the media but as a good and close friend, which is usual in the film world. Since Jatin doesn't have a big status either in modeling or filmi career until now, the responsibility of raising him to her status also falls on the shoulders of Mahima. However, she needs to be careful about her career too!



[ Last edited by Gadis_Venus at 23-9-2005 04:01 PM ]

SUSH TO GO WITHOUT MAKE-UP

After the much glamorous Chandni in 'Main Hoon Na', Sushmita Sen is now going to be without make-up in 'Vaastu Shastra'. The movie is due for release next week. Smashits caught up with this dusky actress recently.

Since you do films on your own terms and why did you choose 'Vaastu Shastra'?

As an actress one is known by the films we do. There are many genres. I have done quite a few like comedies, romantic, masala flick, and an almost parallel cinema film. Horror film had to be added to my resume and therefore I did this. Apart from that the script sounded too scary.

It's a Ram Gopal Verma Production. And he said somewhere that Vaastu is scarier than 'Bhoot'. How far is it true?

Trust me on this. 'Vaastu Shastra' is very scary. And I think it's any day scarier than 'Bhoot' not because I am in the film but I have seen 'Bhoot' and I did get scared. But in this one while I was shooting I was getting scared.

Is it true that lots of incidents happened on the sets?

Oh yes! You know lots of people tell you ghost stories and you tend to not believe. But what I am about to tell you is absolutely authentic and you can probably check it with every crewmember. On the sets we heard dogs crying. We changed three sound recordists thinking they are hearing strange sounds but all of them had the same thing to say. The make-up artist gets up from the chair and the mirror falls. Every 7th take is an ok take. Suddenly out of nowhere the light guy falls from the rostrum. Everyone had a feeling that there's some one else present. So we all had these strange experiences. But thank God no one got hurt.

You have always maintained that you love children. Andyou were working with a four-year-old kid Ehsaan in this film. How was it?

Yes, I adore children. And the first day I met him, I got him a huge soft toy and we named him fluffy. After which if Ehsaan was in a bad mood, we would bait him with fluffy to give the shot. I had an amazing bonding with him.

You see the horror film market is almost non-existent now. The genre doesn't seem to work. Do you think 'Vaastu Shastra' will be an exception?

You can't blame a genre for certain films, which didn't work. You can blame the filmmaker or that particular film but not an entire genre. What I can tell you about 'Vaastu Shastra' is that it is an out and out scary film. It's going to keep you on the edge. It has no songs or dances and it's a one hour fifty minute film, so it's bound to keep you on the seat.

Which will be your third film release in this year?

Well, there are a few. Now I don't know which one releases first. But there's Dharmesh Darshan's 'Bewafa', a song in Subhash Ghai's 'Kisna' besides a David Dhawan film with Salman, then Kalpana Lajmi's film. So you'll be seeing a lot of me in the near future.

ABHISHEK'S MARKET OPENS UP

After 'Dhoom', Abhishek Bachchan's market has opened up. Though it has been said that the success of the movie is shared by three actors but Abhishek's performance has been appreciated. And now his next release will be a solo hero film 'Naach'. We caught up with the actor to find out more about his performance in 'Naach'.

Has 'Naach' been a first for you in a lot of ways, directed by Ram Gopal Verma for the first time and starring opposite Antra for the first time.. ?

Yes. It's my first with Ramu. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with him. Though the movie came my way very strangely. Ramu saw Sooraj Barjatiya's 'Main Prem ki Deewani Hoon' and Mani Ratnam's 'Yuva' and then he called me saying that he wants to make a love story with me. So I went on the sets without knowing anything about the film.

Is the role something that you have played before or does it show you in a different light?

It's a normal love story with a backdrop of the film industry. I play a struggling actor Abhi who falls in love with a choreographer Reva. It's quite true in the sense that off and on screen I am a struggling actor.

Since you are learning how to dance, did you have to dance a lot in the film?

Fortunately no. I didn't have to do a lot of dancing. I think Antra is good at it.

Is Naach a true Ram Gopal Verma film, in terms of genre?

See, every filmmaker has a way of making films. Ramu's seal is that of realism as he showed the true underworld in 'Satya'. He has stuck to realism in 'Naach' as well. So you can say it's his genre.

Ramu is also directing a film with your dad and you called 'Sarkar'. Does his treatment differ when he's directing you as compared to your dad?

He has a different communication level with each actor. So when he is saying something to me, it's on the tuning that we have. But when he is referring to my dad, its different. So it's more on the rapport than anything else.

'Naach' also has a kissing scene in the film; do you think it will be used as a publicity stunt for the film?

No, I don't know why everyone makes a big deal out of a kiss on screen. If two people are in love, it's natural to kiss and that's why it's in the film. We have matured as filmmakers and as audiences so we easily digest a kiss. And I don't think that we are going to use it as a publicity gimmick to pull crowds.

Everyone hopes for a hit, but are you actually interested in box-office collections?

Of course! Collections matter a lot. It's a responsibility on our behalf that when a person goes to watch a film, he spends his hard earned money. And therefore it's our job to give him Paisa Vasool (reimbursementof value). Therefore, I look into the collections, hear the critics and the public and try and improve my acting skills.



[ Last edited by  Gadis_Venus at 4-8-2006 04:57 PM ]

SHAMITA SHETTY JUSTIFIES HER 'FAREB' SMOOCH

The Shetty junior Shamita followed her sister's track to the filmdom but through a short cut that is an 'item song'. But now the younger sister of Shilpa Shetty has emerged as a promising actress of Bollywood after working in 'Wajaah'. She has now 'Fareb' and 'Bewafa' in her kitty. She has created a place for her in Hindi movies by giving a kissing scene with Manoj Bajpai in 'Fareb'. This has brought her in the forefront in the media. However, she clarifies that the kissing scene is an important part of the script of the story.

Moreover, a kissing scene between a husband and his wife cannot be described as out of the way scene enacted to get publicity or fame. Regarding item numbers too, she is clear in her mind that she has done them in Yash Chopra Films out of her special relationship, and not for cheap publicity. She wishes to be known as an actress in Bollywood rather than an item number girl, she adds. Significantly, she has worked along with her elder sister Shilpa Shetty in 'Fareb', and tried to trap her husband in her love.

What is your experience of working with Shilpa in 'Fareb'?

'Fareb' is a romantic thriller film. I am playing the role of a glamorous girl who always tries to trap Shilpa's husband in her love. Manoj Bajpai is playing the role of Shilpa's husband. Though I do not have many scenes with Shilpa, yet the few scenes I have with her are full of emotion and excitement.

Don't you think that a small negative role in 'Wajaah' might adversely affect your career?

I don't think that a negative or a positive role affects any one's career. It is more important that your film should do well at the box office. In 'Wajaah' my role has been very interesting and it has been widely appreciated by the audience along with my item song.

After giving a long kissing scene with Manoj in 'Fareb' did you intend to create your image as a bold heroine?

The kissing scene between husband and wife is not an absurd thing. I don't want to take the help of exposure to get success in films. I think glamour and vulgarity are two different things. I don't do anything for social vanity. But I have no problem in looking glamorous and sexy either.

How far would you establish your identity in a multistarrer like 'Bewafa '?

In this film, Anil Kapoor, Akshay Kumar, Sushmita Sen and Kareena Kapoor are also working. Still I have a good love track with Manoj Bajpai, which is an important part of the film. 'Bewafa' is a film of big canvas and each character has his or her own importance in it.

Are you doing any item song in any other film?

Yes. I have given item numbers in 'Saathiya and 'Mere Yaar Ki Shaadi Hai'. I did item numbers in these films because of my good relationship with Yash Raj Films. But in 'Wajaah and 'Fareb' the item songs are the parts of my character. I have no interest to do any item song in any film. I want to be known as an actress but not as an item girl.

KAREENA: I PLAY A NICE WIFE

Kareena Kapoor in 'Aitraaz' is a completely changed person. Her acting in this movie is just opposite to her usual performances. She has a different image of a traditional Indian woman. Has she decided to change her past image? No, she says, but she has accepted this challenging and positive role, offered to her by Bollywood's showman Subhash Ghai himself. Moreover, she has full confidence in her director Abbas-Mustan. Besides, she counters all that has been said about her relations with female stars. This time she appeared to be a very positive and an equally interesting person.

How do you describe your role in 'Aitraaz'?

After watching 'Aitraaz' everyman will wish to have a wife like me and every woman will envy to be a wife like me.

How do you see the movie's prospects at the box office?

I cannot comment about this.

How is your role different from Priyanka's?

Priyanka's role is important as the story starts with her.

How come Priyanka has stolen the limelight in the movie?

This is because the director has gone by the story, and the story begins with Priyanka Chopra . My role has taken a back seat.

Has Priyanka become hotter than you in 'Aitraaz'?

Oh, no. However, I have chosen a less glamorous role though.



[ Last edited by Gadis_Venus at 20-9-2005 05:10 PM ]

Kareena wants to act with Abhishek

Kareena Kapoor, daughter of yesteryears' glamour girl Babita, began her career with JP Dutta's 'Refugee'. Though 'Refugee' fell flat at the box office, yet the audience profusely appreciated Kareena's role. Incidentally, Kareena had accepted 'Refugee' after declining Rakesh Roshan's 'Kaho Na Pyaar Hai' that proved a hit. So, Kareena missed a hit movie for a flop. But her acting, especially with Abhishek Bachchan in 'Refugee', went very well with the moviegoers. However, the break up of the betrothal of her elder sister Karisma with Abhishek Bachchan did sour their filmi ties for quite some time. Kareena did act in several movies like 'Aitbaar' and 'Hulchul' that shot her to fame. Meanwhile, Abhishek Bachchan's career has been pacing towards stardom after his 'Dhoom' turning a hit. This seems to have convinced Kareena to act with Abhishek to better her career prospects.

Kareena Kapoor


Abhishek Bachan


[ Last edited by  Gadis_Venus at 5-9-2006 12:17 PM ]

Akshaye Khanna enhances fee

Akshaye Khanna is following in the footsteps of some of his colleagues who lose no time in enhancing their fee with their demand growing fast. Khanna has declined even his favorite director Priyadarshan's offer because of the latter's inability to pay his increased remuneration. Besides, Khanna has also said no to Abbas Mastan. This shows that Akshaye Khanna's mind is moving faster than usual.

Aish has turned wiser

Aishwarya Rai has become wiser. She hasn't reacted to Vivek Oberoi's statement that he would marry with Aish. She has neither said yes nor has she denied it. She seems to be busy in trying to improve her prospects in Hollywood. Besides, she is trying to maintain her global image. She has turned herself into a brand. And everyone needs this brand.



[ Last edited by  Gadis_Venus at 25-8-2006 04:26 PM ]

VIVEK REJECTED, AAMIR ACCEPTED 'RANG DE BASANTI'

Aamir Khan, who has emerged as one of the highest paid and popular film star in India, is playing the lead role in 'Rang De Basanti', scheduled for release next year. Rakesh Mehra directs this bilingual film being made in Hindi and English. This is to recall that Aamir Khan first attracted international audience in ' Lagaan' that was India's entry to Oscar and many other international film festivals.

He recently startled the film world by charging a fantastic emolument for his appearance in ' The Rising' by its producer Bobby Bedi. He has sprung another surprise rather a shock by agreeing to play the hero in 'Rang De Basanti' at a much less price than what he was paid by Bedi. But filmgoers will be surprised to hear that the internationally known film star Aamir Khan was not the first choice of Director Rakesh Mehra. In fact, the director first signed Manoj Bajpai to play the role.

Since the financiers didn't come forward to fund it, saying that it will be risky to fund such a movie with Manoj Bajpai who is yet to establish himself as a film star. Rakesh Mehra had no other alternative but to cancel his contract with Bajpai. Meanwhile, he approached Vivek Oberoi. He heard the script but he did not like it. Mehra had almost given up the project. Incidentally, he met Aamir Khan at a Bollywood party. He told him about his project, and narrated the story to him. Aamir liked it and accepted Mehra's offer. Now, film financiers are making a beeline to provide funds to Mehra to help his dream come true.

Vivek Oberoi


Aamir Khan


[ Last edited by Gadis_Venus at 14-8-2005 07:43 PM ]

Amitabh, Mallika to act together

Smooch queen Mallika Sherawat will now be seen on the screen with Amitabh Bachchan. Well, she has already acted with Rekha, one time female partner of Big B in ' Bachke Rehna Re Baba'. S Ranganathan has signed both Amitabh and Mallika in his next. Amitabh has done several hit films for Ranganathan like 'Giraftaar' and 'Ganga Jamuna Saraswati'. Amitabh has already completed Ranganathan's 'Zamaanat' starring Karisma Kapoor, Arshad Warsi and Vijayashanti in lead roles.

Amitabh Bachan


Mallika Sherawat


[ Last edited by Gadis_Venus at 27-10-2005 11:07 PM ]

RANI: I SHALL ACT TILL I BREATHE

Bollywood's bee queen Rani Mukherjee who has given several consecutive hits in the recent past has announced that she will never quit acting until she lives. So, she will continue to act even after her marriage. However, she is not going to marry for the next two years, as she needs to devote herself fully to her profession. Yes, she is happy with the positive response to her films by the audience, especially to her Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Black' and Yash Chopra's 'Veer-Zaara'. Her expectations from her forthcoming 'Bunty Aur Babli' satarring Bachchans and 'Paheli' opposite Shah Rukh Khan are equally high.

Despite this she has not yet reached the zenith, she feels. Her recent meeting with Pak President General Musharraf at his official dinner and the interest shown by the first family of Pakistan in her performance have added to her status in the industry. She is anxiously awaiting the official invitation to visit Pakistan. When persistently asked by the media about her relationship with Abhishek and becoming the bahu of the Bachchan family, she said, " Both of us are good friends, and know each other as actors."



[ Last edited by Gadis_Venus at 20-9-2005 05:13 PM ]

AISH: MY BEST TIME HAS JUST BEGUN

Former Miss World Aishwarya Rai feels that her best period of life has just begun. On her return from Amsterdam after the IIFA awards celebrations, she got two big movie offers from J.P.Dutta that boosted her morale. These are important movies-'Umrao Jaan' played by Rekha in the past, and a movie on the life of the world's few well-known women- Gayatri Devi, the Maharani of Jaipur. Besides, Amsterdam honored her by naming its most popular Tulip after her. And on the top of it, she got very excited on hearing the news that she ranks ninth among the one hundred pretty women of the world. She met and talked to the media.

Aren't very happy after your return from Amsterdam?

Yes, I am.

Is it because Tulip has been named after you in Amsterdam?

I was very happy to know it. Now, my friends can present a bunch of Aish flowers as birthday gifts in Amsterdam. Besides, a solar lantern is already named after me in India. So, Aish will provide light to many villages in the country.

Hasn't the news about your being ranked ninth among the first one hundred pretty women of the world excited you?

I was very, very happy to hear about it from my mother. This placed me on cloud nine. Every woman in this list has earned name and glory in her walk of life. This list includes those women who have other qualities besides being pretty, and have contributed something to society too. I feel lucky of being one from amongst them. This is a matter of great privilege for me to be included in this list.

Is the other reason for your excitement is J.P.Dutta's double offer to you?

Yes, I am very happy that Dutta saheb has assigned me his 'Umrao Jaan' soon after offering me a movie on the life of Maharani Gayatri Devi. I didn't believe it first. Then I asked him if he had signed this to any other actress. He assured me that he hasn't formally signed any one for it. So, I accepted it. In fact, I wanted to make sure that I am not hurting any other actress' sentiment. This reminds me that Preity Zinta had inquired from me about 'Veer Zaara' before accepting it, as the same was first offered to me.

Don't you know that Dutta had first offered 'Umrao Jaan' to Priyanka Chopra?

No, I didn't know otherwise I would have first inquired from her. But I regret that Priyanka signed Rohan Sippy's 'Bluff Master' even after knowing that it was being offered to me. Though Priyanka says that she wasn't aware about its offer to me, but I don't agree with what she says as it was published in the media.

Did it hurt you?

Yes, I felt hurt. But Rohan Sippy hurt me more as he had first offered 'Bluff Master' to me after doing his 'Kuchh Na Kaho', that I had liked very much. I lost this film only because I had not formally signed the contract with him. Anyway, many other filmmakers have played such dirty games with me. I regret that many colleagues whom I gave acting and makeup tips, have also behaved the same way by accepting my roles without even informing me.

Are you upset on losing these offers?

No, I don't feel sorry from the point of view of my career. I am rather satisfied with my present status in the industry. In fact, I feel that my best time has just begun with signing Hollywood's 'Provoked' and Bollywood's 'Umrao Jaan' and another on Mahrani Gayatri Devi.



[ Last edited by Gadis_Venus at 14-8-2005 07:44 PM ]

Court refuses to quash Salman Khan's bail

A local court today rejected a Rajasthan Government application to cancel the bail given to Bollywood actor Salman Khan in the black buck poaching case.

The district and sessions Judge Guman Singh rejected the State Government's plea on the ground that the documents and relevant facts necessary for quashing the bail were lacking.

Appearing for Khan, advocate H M Saraswat strongly opposed the quashing of the bail stating that his client has never threatened the witness Harrish Dulani as alleged by the prosecution.   



[ Last edited by  Gadis_Venus at 4-8-2006 05:01 PM ]

SALMAN KHAN WITH TWO LOOKS AND ONE IMPRESSIVE PERFORMANCE

Most often Salman Khan figured in the recent past for his much-hyped hit and run carcase plus some one haunting him all the time. So, he looked a spoilt brat. But, he is known as an emotionally disturbed person too. In personal conversations, Salman reciprocates. If you talk to him like an aggressive journalist, he will make you bite your nails. But, if you talk to him as a friend, he is gem of a person. Director Satish Kaushik has presented this hero of masses in ' Tere Naam' in a role that is more close to his real life personality. Salman Khan has been as a part of the most successful Indian Cinema for nearly two decades. Now, people want him back in roles that Sanjay Leela Bhansali once wrote for him in 'Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam'.

Salman Khan is one who cannot be ignored; either one loves him or hates him. And, Radhe, the hero of 'Tere Naam' is not very different. Radhe (Salman Khan) is a campus freak. He leads a gang of boys who create ripples in college. He is like a storm. Wherever he goes, he leaves his mark behind. Back home his elder brother (Sachin Khedekar) and his sister-in-law only provide him shelter in this world. He is a happy go lucky kind of man, but only till he meets Nirjara (Bhoomika Chawla). She is the daughter of a priest from the holy city of Vrindavan (famous for Lord Krishna's abode). Radhe loses his heart to this simple girl and she reciprocates too. They are happy with their ways of .One day, Radhe is attacked by a bunch of arrogant people. They want to take revenge because Radhe had tried to stop them from indulging in the flesh trade. As a result, Radhe loses his mental balance. The life takes a U-turn for him. He turns violent and makes every one's life around him hell. He is left behind a shattered boy.

'Tere Naam' moves along with typical love stories of Bollywood. Though 'Tere Naam' is based on a hit film from south (Sethu), director Satish Kaushik has added northern flavor to it by setting it around Agra. Sethu was a super hit in Tamil and it took its hero Vikram to the top by bagging a nomination for National Awards. Expectations from 'Tere Naam' are very high too as there have not been many releases of Salman Khan in recent months. His fans want to see him victorious at least on screen, but the movie fails. Satish Kaushik presents the tragic love story at a wrong time.

Salman's fans are in no mood to see their hero meet tragic ends. Satish's handling of the subject is not perfect. He may have been tagged as the remake master in Bollywood, but he is yet to prove as a director handling emotional subjects. He made a mediocre film in 'Hamara Dil Aapke Paas Hai' where he tired to present Aishwarya Rai in an emotional role. Similarly, in 'Tere Naam' too the main character does get a lot of praise from the audience, but the film lacks something here and there.

Salman Khan has tried hard to impress but his pre-interval role looks artificial. His new get up with a wig that covers his face in many scenes fails to impress. Though he has done many roles as a college going boy in the past, Salman looks old now. However, he does leave a mark after the interval when he is without a wig. It was for this role that Salman had shaved his head. His acting in this part of film deserves applause. And, there is this cute girl Bhoomika Chawla who makes her debut with 'Tere Naam'. Bhoomika is a known name down south and she has chosen the right film to go national. Sarfaraz Khan, Anand Desai, Ravi Kishan and Mahendra Verma do their part aptly.

Cinematographer S. Sriram has caught many beautiful locations through his lens and Jayant Deshmukh's work in the art department impresses too. It is Jainendra Jain's screenplay that makes the film lose its pace at few places, but he has penned some hard-hitting dialogues for Salman. Mahima Chaudhary has a small appearance with Salman in a song, but it is not an item number. One wonders what she did in that miniscule role. Himesh Reshamiya's music is melodious. Lyricist Sameer has come out of his routine numbers and has written some meaningful songs. The title number and the chunri number are already hit. Chinni Prakash and Ganesh Acharya too deserve special mention for their fresh dance steps and sequences. Though 'Tere Naam' struggles hard to meet high expectations, it is Salman who has saved the show.



[ Last edited by  Gadis_Venus at 24-8-2006 05:31 PM ]