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'MPKDH' SILENCES KAREENA'S CRITICS

Kareena Kapoor's style and attitude sets her miles apart from the rest of the industry girls. How many girls can boast of balancing a Sooraj Bharjatya and Govind Nihalani film at this age? However, her growing popularity has earned her more than her fair share of critics. The media's favorite punching bag is excited about the release of 'Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon', and hopes that the media is kind to her this time!

How different is Sanjana from the other characters played by you?

She is too simple to be compared with other characters. She is childlike and even women will fall in love with her. At the same time, she is sensual and knows what she wants, and realises the value of friends. You don't find characters like this in films any more. MPKDH will add freshness to people's lives.

Are you attempting to cover your haughty and arrogant image?

I started by being a simple girl in 'Refugee'. I just played an arrogant character in 'K3G', which became a national craze. I couldn't help it in 'MDK' too, as the director was so much in awe of Pooh that he made a rehash of that. I have just followed my directors. Despite 'Khushi' not doing well, people liked my character. I don't think my fans have such an image. It is the media.

Are you banking on 'MPKDH', as 'Khushi' did not fare well?

I have stopped banking on my films. Films are not bankable now.

Why has the 'MPKDH' music not been able to create the buzz?

Personally, I love the music. I have not come across such a fresh music for a very long time. Everything else seems to have a particular beat to it or an over-the-top scale. Anyway, Soorajji's films don't have music, which you can dance to in a disc. They're story-based. So were the songs of 'Hum Aapke Hain Koun'. Its music became a craze after the film's release. You tend to like his songs after you watch the film.

Is 'MPKDH' a remake of 'Chitchor'?

All love stories are the same? How are love stories over the last 40 years different from each other? It is the screenplay and the director's vision that makes each one of them distinct.

Are you doing Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Bajirao Mastani'?

I don't want to talk about that.

What are you doing in 'Dev'?

Govindji has told me not to talk about it. I feel lucky and honored to be able to strike a balance between a Sooraj Bharjatya and a Govind Nihalani film. Not many girls get an opportunity to do that. I am excited about the release of 'Dev' also. Of course, there is 'LoC' after 'MPKDH'. Then there is 'Bewafa'. Soon I will start shooting for Mani Ratnam's film.

Did Boney accuse you of unprofessional behavior in 'Bewafa shoot?

I reached late for the shoot because of my dad's illness. Everybody knows that he underwent an open-heart surgery. I also had a prior commitment in Mumbai. I had informed Boneyji about it. I requested him to send his unit only after I told him. I reached just two days late, which we sorted out amicably. Boneyji is part of my family and we have a wonderful association. The malicious ways of the film industry are responsible for the circulation of these stories.

Why are you making enemies, especially among the girls?

I can't help it. I am a victim of circumstances. I have been completely traumatized and victimized. The media has completely maligned me. Not one person has said nice things about me. That's fine. I went through a very bad patch in between. Soorajji helped me a lot. His dad also kept advising me on how to deal with this. There were days when I was constantly crying. Every time I opened a newspaper or magazine, I could see people talking about me for no reason at all. They were having all concocted stories. I don't even know anything about them. Why can't people just call me and find out? Finally I realised that silence is silver. I can say that I haven't harmed anyone but people have still harmed me.

Do you know I am referring to the industry girls?

Yeah, I don't know why they do that. I don't understand what they are talking about. It's all very strange but I have made some friends like Esha Deol, Rani, and Namrata. I don't get along with people but it is amazing that filmmakers still want to cast me!

People have liked your new Pepsi ad!

Yeah! It's nice to know that finally they have something nice to say about me instead of maligning me all the time. The media has also liked it, which is very nice.

Aren't you in 'Sahib Bibi aur Ghulam's remake opposite Salman?

Somebody had approached me but nothing happened ultimately.

Didn't you say that 'MPKDH' is your film?

It is Hrithik Roshan's film; he is the superstar. But the true star of the film is Sooraj Bharjatya. I just got an opportunity to play a wonderful character. Without Hrithik and Abhishek, this film would have been incomplete.

What are your expectations from the film?

I am praying to God that people like the film. You cannot ignore a film made by Sooraj Bharjatya. He has made some wonderful films in the past, milestones rather. Whatever the outcome of the film, it has been an honor and pleasure to be part of a Sooraj Bharjatya film. It has always been my dream to be a Rajshri heroine; something not many girls get the opportunity. I am a winner anyway.



[ Last edited by Gadis_Venus at 12-9-2005 12:34 PM ]

No one to act Rani's 'second husband'

Rani Mukherjee who has just added fame to her career in 'Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Black' will soon release two more mega movies during the next few months. One of her movie is getting delayed though as the director- producer Ravi Chopra of the 'Bagbaan' fame is looking for a star to act as 'second husband' to Rani Mukherjee in this movie. Ravi has already signed Hema Malini, Rani and Salman Khan. According to the story of the forthcoming movie, Big B's son played by Salman Khan is the husband of Rani Mukherjee. Incidentally, Salman dies all of a sudden. Big B marries Rani again. However, Ravi hasn't yet got the right star to play her second husband. He did offer this role to Shah Rukh Khan, Akshay Kumnar and Bobby Deol, but they all declined the offer to act as second husband of Rani. The director-producer is anxiously looking for a star. Is any star ready to offer?

Sush and Mithun in 'Chingari'
   
Mithun Chakravarty who just returned to the filmdom in Vikram Bhatt's 'Ellan' has already become very popular with the directors and the producers. Unlike in the past, Mithun has played a villain in 'Aillan', and that too as a terrible head of a criminal gang. Mithun is now getting roles of a villain only. But he is not ready to cast himself in any especial role. Now, he has signed a movie with Kalpana Lazmi for a special role. With the entry of Mithun, Lazmi has changed the English title to a Hindi one. The new title will be ' Chingari'.

Sushmita Sen


Mithun Chakraborty


[ Last edited by Gadis_Venus at 31-8-2005 04:19 PM ]

ACTRESS NAGMA'S ALLEGED LINKS WITH UNDERWORLD

Film star Nagma has alleged links with Anees Ibrahim, the younger brother of underworld don Dawood Ibrahim, sources in the police claimed. Police has quoted a confession made by Rajesh Panchariya alias Jumbo, who was arrested for alleged extortion and smuggling of machinery to Karachi for setting up a gutka plant there. Jumbo is an aide of the underworld don. He has alleged that Nagma has received hawala money. However, Nagma has denied the charges as ''politically motivated'' on the eve of assembly polls. The police sources reveal that the charges were made in October 2004.

The CBI, which took over the gutka case from the Mumbai police, is also investigating the links of gutka barons Rasiklal Manikchand Dhariwal of Manikchand Gutka and J M Joshi of Goa gutka with the underworld. Jumbo and four others - Zamiruddin Ansari, Mohammed Farooq Mansurian, Dawood and Anees - have been booked under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, Arms Act and MCOCA in the gutka case. Jumbo and Ansari, who allege that Dhariwal and Joshi had approached Anees for settlement of a dispute between them, have reportedly admitted that they had smuggled gutka pouch manufacturing machinery to Karachi through a Gulf country. Dhariwal and Joshi have not been named in the FIR, but a local court has issued non-bailable warrants against them for failing to appear for questioning before the police.



[ Last edited by  Gadis_Venus at 31-8-2006 05:29 PM ]

Junior-B happy in Ramu's camp

When Ram Gopal Varma was choosing actors for his film 'Bhoot', he initially offered the lead role to Abhishek Bachchan. But Abhishek refused it saying that he wouldn't work in horror films. Later, Ajay Devgan acted in it, and the film became a hit. After that junior-B met with Ramu and offered to work with him. So, Ramu signed him for his next film 'Run'. But that failed, but Ramu was very impressed by Abhishek's performance, and decided to make another film with him. Nowadays junior-B is working with his father in Ramu's mega budget film 'Sarkar'. Abhishek is very happy working with Ramu.

Abhishek Bachan


[ Last edited by  Gadis_Venus at 7-12-2006 02:18 PM ]

Mumbai Express of Kamal Hasan.

Kamal Hassan is trying to establish himself again in Hindi films after a long gap. Recently, he made 'Mumbai Express' though it is faced with a new trouble. South India's big leaders have announced their decision not to allow him to release this film there. They are angry at its English name. They say that English names are an insult to Tamil and other South Indian languages. And Kamal Hassan is determined not to change the title of his film even if his film 'Mumbai Express' will not release in South India.



[ Last edited by  Gadis_Venus at 5-6-2006 05:13 PM ]

Kareena has no love for Hollywood

Though every Bollywood actress hopes to do a Hollywood flick, but Kareena Kapoor is an exception. She doesn't want to do Hollywood films. Kareena says that Hollywood is full of many beautiful and talented heroines, then an Indian actress doesn't stand a chance. Moreover, Indian artistes would not be welcome there. Why then rush there, she asks? Instead of Hollywood films Kareena wants to work with top directors of Bollywood. That's why Kareena is a hit even after nine flop films!



[ Last edited by Gadis_Venus at 12-9-2005 12:37 PM ]

Amitabh & Rekha pair to repeat soon

The famous pair of Amitabh Bachchan and Rekha that achieved a tremendous success in the movie world in the 80's would soon repeat, according to the latest reports in Bollywood. This pair had a break after 'Silsila' starring Big B, Jaya Bachchan and Rekha. In fact, the story of 'Silsila' was reportedly based on personal lives of the three characters in it. Since then the pair has never been seen on the screen. However, after the success of 'Baghbaan' starring Amitabh and Hema Malini, the producers and the directors have decided to bring the Amitabh-Rekha pair back on the screen to cater to their following and thus help revive the Hindi movie world languishing these days for want of good films coupled with excellent performances. The industry is optimistic on the news of the return of Amitabh and Rekha together in films. The reports of a recent meeting between the two at a function in Mumbai have given a boost to this speculation.

Amitabh Bachan


Rekha


[ Last edited by Gadis_Venus at 14-1-2006 04:46 PM ]

Akshay averse to comedy

Tough Akshay Kumar has attained perfection in playing all types of characters, yet he has decided not do comedy films in future because of his recently released 'Insaan' proving a flop. Despite this we shall watch him in one more comedy ' Phir Hera Pheri' that would release soon.



[ Last edited by Gadis_Venus at 30-9-2005 10:04 PM ]

AMISHA BREAKS WITH FAMILY

Bollywood actress Amisha Patel, the successful heroine of the super hits 'Kaho Na Pyaar Hai' and 'Gadar', has informed through a public notice that her parents do not have her power of attorney, and if anybody deals with them that will be on his or her own risk. Amisha has issued a public notice to this effect through her advocate. In the notice, she has claimed that she has not given any single or several powers of attorney or rights to her father Amit Patel, or her mother Asha Patel or brother Asmit Patel. Amisha has also stated that if her family members show any such authority that will be termed as fraud.

This notice suggests to the public that anybody should never do any deal with them on the basis of Amisha's signed power of attorney. Amisha has further clarified that she has nothing to do with any transactions entered into by her parents and her brother. Before this, Amisha had sent a legal notice to her parents and brother to return her money, which they had taken away from her by wrong and illegal means, and were using themselves. This is to recall that the relations between her and her family had been strained for quite some time. There were reports in the media that Amisha had been living away from the family with Vikram Bhatt and planning to marry him contrary to the family wishes.



[ Last edited by Gadis_Venus at 26-8-2005 03:53 PM ]

Hrithik's love for sequels

Hrithik Roshan will soon be seen in ' Phir Dhoom' a sequel to 'Dhoom'. He will take over from John Abraham, who acted as a bank robber. Hrithik says he wants to play a villain too. This is to recall that Hrithik is doing a sequel of his earlier ' Koi Mil Gaya' too. The other two characters in ' Dhoom' -Uday Chopra and Abhishek Bachchan- will continue though. Sanjay Gandhvi is reported to have offered the lead female role to Aishwarya Rai in his sequel. Meanwhile, 'Dhoom' has drawn a lot of criticism from the people about the role of John Abraham in robbing the bank. Five youngsters in Lucknow have admitted that they were inspired by 'Dhoom' to model their hairstyle and bikes on John Abraham, and rob cell phones and gold chains to "treat their girlfriends". However, the director of the movie has denied the charge. He says that the movie doesn't glorify the character. Moreover, the imitators are to blame for it. The movie's aim is only to entertain the viewers.



[ Last edited by  Gadis_Venus at 27-4-2006 09:47 PM ]

Tabu braves Gabbar 's son

Tabu has created a fear in her director who is none other than the son of Amzad who played Gabbar Singh in 'Sholay'. Amzad's son Shadab Khan signed Tabu in the lead role in his debut film. Tabu has disappeared from Mumbai without informing Shabad Khan about her whereabouts. Shabad had thought that he would raise finance for the movie by cashing Tabu's name, and then sign other cast. Tabu has dashed all hopes of the director. Bravo Tabu!

Tabu


[ Last edited by Gadis_Venus at 14-1-2006 04:46 PM ]

Vivek Oberoi among tigers

Though Vivek Oberoi is busy these days in his relief work for the tsunami victims, yet he finds time to complete his pending movie assignments. Whenever he is free from his social work, he goes shooting for 'Kaal'. Vivek says that for the first time three tigers in a thick jungle surrounded him. However, director Soham Shah has made foolproof arrangement for his safety by providing him four ringmasters who hide themselves behind the cameras.

On the sets of Ramji Londonwale

On the sets of Madhavan's new movie - Ramji Londonwale.

Preity is liberal-hearted

Preity Zinta has a big heart. She forgets and forgives. After all, she considers acting as her profession and not a step towards stardom. She says, "I am a working woman, and not an actress like many others. Any working girls have to make some compromises too. I have no filmi background." This is relevant inasmuch as she has agreed to work with Salman Khan who is alleged to have made certain uncharitable remarks about her in a tape-record when he had a conversation with Aishwarya Rai. Besides, the pretty young girl has donated Rs ten million to an institution working for the welfare of children. A very kind-hearted girl indeed!

Abhishek with Aish again

J.P.Dutta has zeroed in on Abhishek Bachchan as the hero in his ambitious movie 'Umrao Jaan' starring Aishwarya Rai as heroine and Shabana Azmi as her mother. Dutta says that Abhishek meets his two criteria for the role he has in the movie. First, Abhishek will fit in well to play as an emotional poet and secondly, the junior Bachchan goes well to pair with Aishwarya Rai. Incidentally, this will be Abhishek's third movie with Aishwarya Rai.

Abhishek Bachan


Aishwarya Rai


[ Last edited by Gadis_Venus at 14-1-2006 04:48 PM ]

Isn't Juhi wiser?

Juhi Chawla seems to have the writing on the wall. That's why she has said no to act in director Vinod Pandey's new movie titled 'Red Swastik' even without reading the script. We may recall here that Vinod Pandey had once shown a sex-tortured priest in his movie 'Sins'. Maybe Juhi didn't like it.

LARA: ABHISHEK LOOKS A "MARD" IN 'MUMBAI SE...'

Lara Dutt has traveled a long way. She was a model until 2002 when she was crowned India's second Miss Universe after Sushmita Sen. Since then luck has been favoring her with a lot of film offers, ranging from acting as a rural girl to an urbanite one. She was not amused when asked if she has got a role of a Bond girl. Maybe she doesn't mind this coming her way sooner than later. Lara Dutt says that the image of Abhishek Bachchan as a chocolate boy has changed altogether in 'Mumbai Se Aaya Mera Dost' where he looks like a mard (man). Director Apoorva has done this job very well. She is confident that this movie will hit the box-office. When asked if the credit for presenting Abhishek as a 'mard' goes to her, Lara laughed heartily.

Which of your two debut films due for May release will hit first?

Both of my films are different from each other. It hardly matters which comes first.

How do you distinguish them from each other?

'Andaaz' that stars Akshay Kumar is all about romance whereas in 'Mumbai Se Aaya Mera Dost' is a comedy. It's sort of an emotional drama.

Did you get any training in acting or dance?

No, I am not a trained actress. So I have developed my own acting style. But I am trained dancer.

What's the story of 'Mumbai Se Aaya Mera Dost'?

Abhishek Bachchan is a protagonist. While Abhishek plays a domestic servant (Kaanji), I have romance with him.

How is Abhishek's acting in 'MSAMD'?

Excellent. Director Apoorva has changed his image of a chocolate boy into a "mard" (man).

How did you bag 'Andaaz'?

Well, Suneel Dharshan, the producer of 'Andaaz' saw my photo on magazine cover. Since he was searching for two faces, he chose me first followed by Priyanka Chopra.

What's the USP of 'Andaaz'?

The USP of this movie is that a Miss Universe and a Miss World have acted together in a Hindi movie. This has happened for the first time.

What's your role in'Andaaz'?

In 'Andaaz' I play the role of a tomboyish character that dreams about the guy she wants to marry. However, the fate has other plans in store for me. Since I go through a bad phase of life, I withdraw myself and conform to norms.

What's the role of Priyanka Chopra?

She has a more glamor role in the movie. Akshay plays an Air Force pilot. He loses me to another man. Then Priyanka enters his life though he doesn't forget me.

Is the music of 'Andaaz' become popular?

Yes, the music of 'Andaaz' is doing very well. I am thrilled about it.

Any interesting shooting event?

During my first shot for the song 'Sha la la baby', Akshay, Priyanka and I danced together. Though I am a classical dancer, my knees got scraped and I was bruised. Later in Cape Town, Akshay and I were shooting for a song over some rocks when I lost my balance and fell into the sea. Since I can't swim, it was Akshay who dived in to save me.

What are your other hobbies?

Trekking, water rafting and rock climbing.

Have you any boyfriend? Is he a star?

My boyfriend is Kelly Dorji, but he's not in movies. He is a model.

How are your relations with him since you entered films?

Like all other couples we have gone through highs and lows in our relationship too.

Are you doing any other movie at present?

I am doing Madhur Bhandarkar's police drama 'Aan' and E Niwas's 'Bardassht', a thriller and 'Jurm'. All of them are ready.

How do you relax after long hours of shooting?

I do relax by cooking at home.

Lara Dutta


Abhishek Bachchan


[ Last edited by  Gadis_Venus at 30-8-2006 03:14 PM ]

SHAHID ARE SURE OF REPEATS

Don't you look like a kid in 'Ishq Vishq'?

Yes, but that is what the movie demands from me and as it is my debut movie.

Did your parents motivate you to join films?

No. But I wanted to be an actor even at a young age.

Did you try for any movie?

Yes, I tried, but Ken Ghosh didn't allow me at that time.

Did it cause you any frustration?

No, I rather waited. Meanwhile, I assisted my dad in a serial he was shooting at Manali.

How did you get into 'Ishq Visq'?

Ken Ghosh is a good director and he offered me a role when he found me grown up for the role.

How did you find working with your costars?

Shenaz has been a newcomer though she had been veejaying for quite sometime. Another colleague, Amrita Rao had already done two films. Shenaz and Amrita were senior and experienced. Amrita had taken training in acting and also done a South Indian Movie.

How did you foresee your film career?

Well, I am going to stay doing films. 'Ishq Vishq' has already given me a break.



[ Last edited by Gadis_Venus at 12-9-2005 12:39 PM ]

BIG B PROMOTING HINDI FILMS

Amitabh Bachchan is a superb actor and a kind-hearted man. Nowadays he is taking keen interest in promoting the Hindi film industry the world over. Besides, Amitabh has been very active in taking up the cause of the film industry vis-୶is the industry and the government. This is evident from his visits abroad in this connection. Recently, he went to South Africa for IIFA awards function, where he introduced the Indian entertainment industry in a big way. It goes without saying that he has been a popular figure abroad. In fact, he has utilised his popularity among overseas audience for the promotion of the Hindi films He is doing this despite his heavy shooting schedules. He is acting in more movies now than ever before in spite of his age. His company, ABCL, will soon start producing films. After the Rakesh Mehra directed 'Aks', Amitabh Bachchan is planning another film that will star his son and himself. This project will be directed either by Rakesh Mehra or Rajkumar Santoshi. There will also be small budget films by the ABCL. The Big B got closely associated with IIFA awards function at Johannesburg, even though he had no financial stake in the organisation. Wizcraft Event Management managed the function. He says he has done this with the sole aim of helping Indian producers realise the full worth of their films in foreign markets.

How do you explain the rationale behind organising these functions?

There is a vast market for Hindi films abroad. Even in Morocco they are very popular. When I travel abroad I realise the crucial role being played by our films as means of entertainment on foreign soil. Sub-titles are inserted into these films in a large number of local languages and millions of foreigners view and enjoy them. But most of these are pirated versions and hence our producers and distributors do not benefit from the popularity of our films abroad. Wizcraft approached me and mooted the idea of holding awards functions abroad as a tool for professionally marketing and showcasing Bollywood in foreign countries. I jumped at the idea and I am doing my best to make a success of these programs by patronising them. The phenomenal success of these functions held earlier at Sun City, London and Kuala Lumpur has confirmed that we are on the right track.

Isn't the audience for Hindi films confined to the Indian diaspora?

No. That is the point I am trying to make. Our films are being witnessed by millions of those who do not know a word of Hindi. They simply enjoy our movies. But so far Bollywood has not marketed its products professionally.

Why don't Hindi films have better content?

Talent- wise we are as good as Hollywood in almost all the departments, including acting, cinematography despite the tremendous financial constraints. As far as the story content is concerned, we are clear that we are in the business of entertainment and not education. What we offer is pure and simple entertainment.

Why doesn't Bollywood emphasise on cultural aspect?

If you follow our movies closely you will realise that all of them derive their inspiration from our epics, "Ramayana" and "Mahabharata". Indian films cater to a culturally diverse audience, which expects different things from them.

What about song and dance sequences in Bollywood movies?

Songs and dances provide entertainment. There is no harm in having them. In fact, we should continue to have them.

Do you think Hindi films will be taken seriously abroad?

I think so. The song-dance sequences have stood the test of time.