Saturday, November 14, 2009

Milenge Milenge Review



Genre: Romance
Director: Satish Kaushik
Producer: Surinder Kapoor
Presenter: Boney Kapoor
Music Director: Himesh Reshammiya
Star Cast: Kareena Kapoor, Shahid Kapoor, Satish Shah, Delnaz Paul, Aarti Chabria
Release Date: December 4, 2009

Milenge Milenge Pre-release Review
‘Milenge Milenge’ is a romantic love story, which entails a strange twist of destiny for the lovers. Priya (Kareena Kapoor) is a student and an assistant choreographer living in Mumbai. She is an orphan, who has always dreamt of a family of her own, after marriage. She writes a diary outlining the man of her dreams and the qualities that he should posses. Priya meets a tarot reader, Sunita Rao, who predicts that she will find love in South Africa.

Priya is pleasantly surprised when she is chosen to attend a youth festival in South Africa and cherishes the possibility of bumping into her dream man. Amit (Shahid kapoor), who is based in Delhi, also chances upon visiting the African country. A beautiful stroke of serendipity makes both Amit and Priya meet and fall in love. However, Amit is just the anti-thesis of the man Priya wants. He portrays a different personality after reading Priya’s diary, to fit into the romantic image of the man she had imagined a thousand times in her dreams.

As fate would have it, Priya gets to know that Amit is an imposter and has lied to her. She is shattered and decides to leave Amit, who does try to explain that it was destined for them to meet and that they are made for each other. However, Priya is adamant and they part ways only to meet again after a span of three years. What will happen when the two ex-lovers cross path once again? Will Priya realize that Amit is indeed her destiny? Hit the theaters on December 4, to know the answers.

Aaftab Shivdasani


Profile

Date of Birth: 25 June, 1978

Nickname: Faffy Address: 22, Mistry Court, Opposite CCI Club, Churchgate, Mumbai-20. Height: 6' (1.83 m)

Education: Bachelor of Commerce, HR College, Mumbai.

Debut Film: "Mast" Film Awards: Filmfare Best Debut Award for "Mast"Zee Cine Best Villain Award for "Kasoor" Nation Honor Awards for "Kya Yehi Pyaar Hai"

Mini Biography

Aftab Shivdasani is not new to Bollywood. He had acted as a child artist in the late 80's and early 90's in films such as "Mr. India", "Shahenshah", "Chaalbaaz" and "Insaniyat". Aftab made his debut as the lead actor in Bollywood with "Mast" opposite Urmila Mantodkar. Though "Mast" was not successful at the box office, yet Aftab Shivadasani's performance in the movie won accolades. He won Filmfare Best Debutant Award for his performance in the film "Mast". Then he did "Kasoor" opposite Lisa Ray. This was a thriller movie in which he had done a negative role. Aftab Sivdasani received Zee Cine Best Villain Award for his performance in the movie "Kasoor". Since then he had done more than a dozen films with mixed response from audience as well as at box office. Aftab Shivdasani's hit films are-"Awara Paagal Deewana", "Hungama" and "Masti". Many of his films have done poorly at the box office; still he has been getting decent reviews for his acting from fans as well as critics.

Filmography

Dus Kahaniyaan, Speed, Life Mein Kabhie Kabhiee, Red, Jaane Hoga Kya, Ankahee, Shaadi Se Pehle, Mr. Ya Miss, Koi Aap Sa, Masti, Footpath Hungama, Darna Mana Hai, Pyaasa, Awara Paagal Deewana, Kya Yehi Pyaar Hai, Koi Mere Dil Se Pooche, Pyar Ishq aur Mohabbat, Love Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega, Kasoor and Mast. Trivia
Aftab's parents are of different religious backgrounds. His mother is a Parsi and his father is a Hindu.
He shares his birthday with his father (25th June).
Aftab did his schooling from St. Xavier's High School, Mumbai.

Jackie Shroff

Date of Birth: 1st February, 1957
Nickname: Jagga Height: 6' (1.83 m)
Address: Le Pepeyon, Mount Mary Road, Bandra, Mumbai- 400 050. Debut film: "Swami Dada" Film Awards: Filmfare Best Actor Award for "Parinda". Filmfare Best Supporting Actor Award for "1942 A Love Story" Filmfare Best Supporting Actor Award for "Rangeela"
Mini Biography
Jackie Shroff was introduced to the film industry by Dev Anand in the film "Swami Dada". Subhash Ghai made him star with his film "Hero", which had Jackie in the lead role. Jackie Shrof was often paired with another leading actor Anil Kapoor and together they gave many hit films like "Karma", "Ram Lakhan" and "Parinda". Though he has given a number of successful films but Filmfare Award eluded him for a long time. Jackie won his first Filmfare Best Actor Award in 1990 for his performance in the film "Parinda".Jackie Shroff made great mark in the films "Angaar" where he plays a youth, frustrated with crime and corruption, who takes on a violent campaign against the system and "Gardish" where his portrayal of a common man taking on the criminal elements in society. His other memorable movies are "Tridev", "Khalnayak", "1942 a Love Story" "Rangeela" and "Devdas". Jackie Shroff went on to win Filmfare Best Supporting Actor Award for his performance in the films "1942 a Love Story" and "Devdas". In recent times, Jackie appeared as supporting actor in the hit comedy films such as "Apna Sapna Money Money" and "Bhagam Bhag". Jackie Shrof has also established his production company 'Jackie Shroff Entertainment Limited'.
Filmography
Fool n Final, Hum Laakh Chhupayein Pyaar ... Magar , Eklavya, Bhagam Bhag, Apna Sapna Money Money, Bhoot Unkle, Mera Dil Leke Dekkho, Naksha, Asthram, Antar Mahal, Divorce, Kyun Ki, Maryada Purushottam, Ssukh, Aan, Dobara, God Only Knows, Hulchul, 3 Deewarein, Baaz, Boom, Ek Aur Ek Gyarah, Samay, Sandhya, Devdas, Agni Varsha, Kya Yehi Pyaar Hai, Mulaqaat, Pitaah, Albela, Bas Itna Sa Khwaab Hai, Censor, Farz, Grahan, Hadh, Lajja, One 2 Ka 4, Yaadein, Mission Kashmir, Gang, Border, Agni Sakshi, Rangeela, 1942: A Love Story, Gardish, Baap Numberi Beta Dus Numberi, Doodh Ka Karz, Parinda, Ram Lakhan, Tridev, Karma, Hero, Swami Dada and Heera Panna.

Bobby Deol

Date of Birth: 27th January, 1967.
Address: Plot No. 22, 11th Road, JVPD Scheme, Juhu Mumbai-400 049
Height: 6' 1" (1.85 m) Debut Film: "Barsaat"
Film Awards: Filmfare Best Debutant Award for "Barsaat.''
Mini BiographyBobby Deol is son of the popular film star Dharmendra. He made his debut as lead hero with the film "Barsaat" directed by Rajkumar Santoshi. The movie was successful at box office. His next movie was "Gupt", which also a big hit and became one of the highest grossing films of the year. Bobby's performance in this film was appreciated by critics and fans. His other movies like "Aur Pyar Ho Gaya", "Soldier", "Dillagi", "Kareeb", "Badal", "Bichoo" and "Ajnabee" has mixed success. Bobby Deol was nominated for the Filmfare Best Actor Award for his performance in the film "Humraaz". Though his next movie "23rd March 1931: Saheed" failed at box office, where he portrayed the character of real life freedom fighter Bhagat Singh, yet his performance was well appreciated by critics. Boby Deol played a villainous role in the movie "Shakalaka Boom Boom", which failed in India but did better business overseas. Bobby along with his elder brother Sunny Deol and father Dharmendra starred together for the first time in the film "Apne". The film opened to good reviews and did well in India and overseas. His following released films "Naqaab' and "Nannhe Jaisalmer" did not do well.Bobby Deol is married to Tanya Ahuja and has two sons named Aryaman and Dharam.FilmographyBarsaat, Badal, Gupt, Aur Pyaar Ho Gaya, Kareeb, Soldier Dillagi, Hum To Mohabbat Karega, Bichhoo, Aashiq, Ajnabee, 23rd March 1931: Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Humraaz, Chor Machaaye Shor , Kismat , Ab Tumhare Hawale Watan Saathiyo, Tango Charlie, Dosti, Shakalaka Boom Boom , Jhoom Barabar Jhoom, Apne and Naqaab. Trivia
Bobby Deol's birth name is Vijay Singh Deol.
His first film was as child artiste "Dharam Veer".
Actor Abhay Deol is his cousin.
Actress Hema Malini is his step mother.
Bobby's wife Tanya is the daughter of finance guru, Dev Ahuja, owner of 21st Century Finance.
In June 2007 at the recent IIFA Awards show, Boby Deol broke into tears when he was called upon the podium by his father Dharmendra, after his father received the IIFA Lifetime Achievement Award.

Amrish Puri


Profile

Date of Birth: 22nd June, 1932.

Date of Death: 12 January, 2005.

Nickname: Mogambo

Education: Graduate from B. M. College, Shimla.

Debut Film: "Prem Pujari"

Film Awards: Filmfare Best Supporting Actor Award for 'Meri Jung", "Ghatak" and "Virasat" Sydney Film Festival, Best Actor Award for "Suraj Ka Satvan Ghoda" Mini BiographyAmrish Puri was born in Nawanshehar district of Punjab. His parents were (father) Lala Nihal Chand and (mother) Ved Kaur. Amrish Puri had two elder brothers- Chaman Puri and Madan Puri, who were also actors. After graduation, Amrish Puri came to Bombay to act in films. Amarish failed his first screen test and had to find a job with the Ministry of Labour. Meanwhile, he started acting at the Prithvi Theatre and soon he became well known stage actor. Amrish Puri won Sangeet Natak Academy Award for his performance in theatre. Amrish got breakthrough in Hindi films at the age of 40. The first film he had signed was "Reshma Aur Shera" but his first released film was "Prem Pujari". After that he appeared in negative and character roles in a number of movies such as Shyam Benegal's "Nishant", "Manthan", Bhumika" and "Suraj Ka Satvan Ghoda". Ambrish Puri became famous in Bollywood as Mogambo from the hit film "Mr. India" directed by Shekhar Kapoor. Amrish Puri did not play only negative roles but also appeared in character roles, which includes kind hearted business man in "Pardesh", father of Jackie Shroff in "Gardish", grandfather in "Chori Chori Chupke Chupke" and Baldev Singh in "Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge". His last film was"Kisna: The Warrior Poet". The film was released a few days after his death. FilmographyKachchi Sadak, Mumbai Express, Kisna: The Warrior Poet, Ab Tumhare Hawale Watan Saathiyo, Hulchul, Aitraaz, Taarzan: The Wonder Car, Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, Lakshya, Dev, Woh Tera Naam Tha, Dil Pardesi Ho Gayaa, Out of Control, Jaal, The Hero, Khushi, Rishtey, Jaani Dushman, Shararat Badhaai Ho Badhaai, Nayak, Yaadein, Gadar, Mujhe Kucch Kehna Hai, Chori Chori Chupke Chupke, Censor, Zubeidaa, Mohabbatein, Dhaai Akshar Prem Ke , Badal, Shaheed Uddham Singh, Thakshak, Gair Baadshah, Taal, Jai Hind, Jhooth Bole Kauwa Kaate, China Gate, Doli Saja Ke Rakhna, Koyla, Dhaal, Himalay Putra, Pardes, Virasat, Ghatak, Diljale, Kala Pani, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Hulchul, Karan Arjun, Droh Kaal, Tejasvini, Gardish, Damini, Suraj Ka Satvan Ghoda, Vishwatma, Tehelka, Phool Aur Kaante, Ghayal, Nigahen, Waaris, Shahenshah, Mr India, Loha, Nagina, Mashaal, Coolie, Gandhi, Manthan, Hulchul and Reshma Aur Shera. Trivia
He shaved his head for the role of the villian Mola Ram in Hollwood Movie "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom ". It created such an impression that he kept his head shaved and became one of the most popular villains in Hindi Cinema.
Amrish Puri had a passion for collecting hats, and bought a hat or two on every foreign trip of his. He had a collection of over 200 hats from across the world.
Amrish was a very religious person and a devotee of Lord Shiva.
His autobiography titled, 'The Act of Life' was published in 2006.

Ashok Saraf

Ashok Saraf (born June 4) is an Indian actor and Comedian. He has appeared in many Hindi and Marathi movies.
Ashok Saraf has been well-known for his great comedies and is considered to be one of the best Marathi comedians. Apart from films, Ashok Saraf has also starred in television serials like "Yeh Choti Badi Baatein" and Hum Paanch.
Ashok Saraf is known as the Amitabh Bachchan of the Marathi Film Industry[citation needed] and has essayed a variety of roles. His acting prowess is well known and he plays serious, comedy and Villain roles with unbelievable ease. He is married to actress Nivedita Joshi-Saraf. He formed an almost unbeatable pair with Laxmikant Berde, another great comedian from Marathi cinema who has also acted in many Hindi films. Together they have graced many Marathi films and most films were superhits. They are known to be good friends of actor-director Sachin Pilgaonkar and actor-producer-director Mahesh Kothare.

Anil Kapoor

Date of Birth: 24th December, 1959.
Address: 31 Shringar, Presidency Society, 7th Road, JVPD Scheme,
Mumbai- 400 049 Debut Film: "Hamare Tumahre"
Film Awards: Filmfare Best Actor Awards for "Tezaab" and "Beta" Filmfare Best Supporting Actor Awards for "Mashaal" and "Taal" Filmfare Best Actor (Critics) for "Virasat" National Film Awards Best Actor for "Pukar" Mini BiographyAnil Kapoor is a prominent National Award winning film actor and producer of Bollywood. He was born at Chembur in Maharashtra to film producer Surinder and Suchitra Kapoor. Anil Kapur made his Bollywood debut with the movie "Hamare Tumahre". After doing few minor roles in the films like "Hum Paanch" and "Shakti", Anil Kapoor got his first breakthrough as lead actor in the film "Woh Saat Din". His next film was "Mashaal" directed by Yash Chopra, for which he won his first Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor. Anil Kapoor has delivered many commercially successful films which include "Meri Jung", "Karma" and "Mr. India". "Mr. India" was one of his biggest hit films and shot him to super star status. Anil kapoor gave critically acclaimed performance as middle aged lover in Yash Chopra's "Lamhe" but the film proved unsuccessful at the Box Office. Anil Kapur won his first National Film Award in Best Actor category for the film "Pukar". Anil has also produced films such as "Badhai Ho Badhai", "My Wife's Murder", "Gandhi My Father" and "Shortcut". Recently, Anil kapoor's eldest daughter Sonam Kapoor made her debut in Bollywood with the film "Saawriya" opposite Ranbir Kapoor.FilmographyHamare Tumhare, Ek Baar Kaho, Hum Paanch, Shakti, Woh Saat Din Mashaal, Saaheb, Pyaar Ka Sindoor, Chameli Ki Shaadi, Janbaaz, Karma, Mr. India, Kasam, Ram-Avtar, Sone Pe Suhaaga, Tezaab, Inteqam, Ram Lakhan, Eeshwar, Rakhwala, Parinda, Kishen Kanhaiya, Jeevan Ek Sangharsh, Jamai Raja, Benaam Badsha, Pratikar, Lamhe Beta, Heer Ranjha, Roop Ki Rani Choron Ka Raja, Laadla, 1942: A Love Story, Trimurti, Loafer, Mr. Bechara , Judaai, Virasat, Deewana Mastana Kabhi Na Kabhi, Gharwali Baharwali, Jhooth Bole Kauwa Kaate, Hum Aapke Dil Mein Rehte Hain, Biwi No.1, Taal, Pukar, Hamara Dil Aapke Paas Hai, Nayak, Badhaai Ho Badhaai , Om Jai Jagadish, Calcutta Mail Musafir, Bewafaa, My Wife's Murder, No Entry, Chocolate, Humko Deewana Kar Gaye, Darna Zaroori Hai, Salaam-e-Ishq and Welcome. Trivia
Boney Kapoor, a film producer is elder brother of Anil Kapoor.
Anil is married to his dress designer Sunita who owns an integrated dance and exercise academy in Juhu. It's one of the best 'Aerobic Gyms' in Bombay. Anil has two daughters 'Sonam' and 'Rhea' and one son 'Harshavardhan'.

For an alien-abduction movie

there are surprisingly few aliens in The Fourth Kind. In fact, there are none. There are alarming bursts of the ancient Sumerian language, either rumbling away on a microcassette or spat out by humans videotaped while under hypnosis. And something, some shadow rolling across the sky, can be seen in footage recorded by a police car's dashboard camera, before that tape becomes hopelessly scrambled. But no aliens. Why are the aliens so shy? Because The Fourth Kind is a movie that mixes archival audio and video with dramatizations. While it's one thing to capture the psychological aftermath of alien abduction and possibly a glimpse of a real-life UFO, to find any video of actual extra-terrestrials would be a bombshell that no director or movie studio could sit on.
That's one possibility. The other is that The Fourth Kind is a colossal blunder of a hoax—an attempt to capitalize on widespread UFO belief that's cynical even by Hollywood's standards. In claiming its fact-based bona fides, the movie isn't winking knowingly at the audience, adopting the found-footage style of The Blair Witch Project or Paranormal Activity. This movie means it. It opens with actress Milla Jovovich explaining that the movie is about events that occurred between Oct. 1 through 9, 2000, that she's portraying Dr. Abigail Tyler, a "renowned psychologist," and that "every dramatized scene in this movie is supported by either archived audio, video," or is based on Dr. Tyler's "extensive interviews with the director." In the world of UFOlogy, aliens don't show up on camera. Witnesses, abductees and investigators all find threads of evidence, but there's nothing cohesively tying them together. For The Fourth Kind to appear real, it can't give us extraterrestrials, just the wreckage in their wake. The result is a movie terrified of ever delivering its own payoff. But its failure as a film is less about bad acting and clumsy direction; it's that it inhabits its demographic too well. Silly as it is, The Fourth Kind stumbles onto some of the biggest problems facing the discussion and investigation of UFOs, alien abductions and every other suspected act of interplanetary aggression.

Billy Wilder made great movies in three languages

Billy Wilder made great movies in three languages. Born in what is now Poland of Jewish heritage, Wilder was directing films in Germany when Hitler came to power. He fled to Paris, directed films there, and eventually landed in America without knowing a word of English – yet promptly became one of the most successful directors of Hollywood’s Golden Age. His films are marked with wit, cynicism, irony and comedy that ranges from biting to effervescent. Above all, Billy Wilder’s films are richly entertaining. For comic fluff, see Some like it Hot or The Seven-Year Itch, both with Marilyn Monroe. For great film noir, don’t miss Sunset Boulevard and Double Indemnity.

Bacharach studied with French polytonal

Bacharach studied with French polytonal composer Darius Milhaud (1892-1974), who "attached extreme importance to melodic line, superimposing different keys to produce a polytonal texture characteristic of his style" (Larousse Encyclopedia of Music). And he claims to have been deeply influenced by Maurice Ravel's Daphnis et Chloe Suite, a strikingly atmospheric Impressionist piece featuring a huge orchestra, a wordless chorus for extra flavor, and a panoply of percussion, including a wind machine. (Two fabulous recordings of the full ballet, from which the Suite was adapted: a stunning digital disc by Charles Dutoit and Choir and Symphonie Orchestra of Montreal [RealAudio sample available via Amazon.com]; and an equally impressive late '70s performance by Pierre Boulez with the New York Philharmonic and the Camerata Singers.)
In the liner notes to Rhino Records' The Look of Love: The Burt Bacharach Collection, Bacharach recalls Milhaud encouraging him to "let the melody shine through. 'It's nothing to be ashamed of,' he said." Bacharach never forgot. His melodic structures may be unconventional or oddly shaped, but they are unashamedly glorious. Bacharach can drop glittering two- or three-note tune fragments upon one another until he's built a gorgeous melody that surprises you because you didn't hear it coming. These little clusters of notes tease you, keep you guessing, and the overall shape of the melody doesn't become apparent until the last piece is dropped into place:
The lookOf loveIs inYour eyesA lookYour smileCan't disguise ("The Look of Love")
or:
But now I fill my life upWith all ICan do toDeaden this sensation("This House is Empty Now," with Elvis Costello)
or even:
Why do birdsSuddenly appearEv'ry timeYou are near?Just like meThey long to beClose to you("Close to You")

Saturday, November 7, 2009

FINALLY..... THE DVD TREATMENT TITANIC ALWAYS DESERVED!!!

Mohd Jafar Finally, the most successful film in the film history gets the dvd treatment it deserves, bringing much respite to the fans all the over the world. Previously available barebones edition dvd has been replaced with a 3disc collector's edition dvd set, loaded with all those great never before seen stuff. Here's what one can look forward to in this edition: New high definition digital transfer with the main feature spread over two discs to get the highest possible picture and sound quality...and thankfully it does include DTS6.1 ES track!!! Never before seen footage (approximately 58 minutes, alongwith the main film but it will be available through branching option on the disc unlike LOTR EXTENDED editions!!) All-new making-of featurettes which will include time lapse footage of the massive set and studio construction. Incredible Alternate Ending - "Brock's Epiphany" 29 Never-Before-Seen Deleted Scenes with Optional Commentary which include romantic moments between jack and rose and historical and action shots as well!! Commentary by Academy Award-Winning Director James Cameron Cast and Crew Commentaries by Stars Kate Winslet and Gloria Stuart and Oscar-Winning Producer Jon Landau and Executive Producer Rae Sanchini Historical Commentary Visual Effects Breakdown of the Unforgettable Stunts Music Video "My Heart Will Go On" by Celine Dion ...and much more!! Titanic collector's edition is a dream come true not just for all those titanic fans out there but it will be a jewel in any dvd collection!! AND LAST BUT DEFINITELY NOT THE LEAST.......if you own a multi-region dvd player or watch dvds from all regions on your DVD ROM, then you have an option of buying from amazon UK where you can choose between the two disc and the four disc set!!

The Los Angeles Film Critics Awards, 1988


Best Picture Little Dorrit, Christine Edzard
Best Actor Tom Hanks, Big and Punchline
Best Actress Christine Lahti, Running on Empty
Supporting Actor Alec Guinness, Little Dorrit
Supporting Actress Genevieve Bujold, Dead Ringers and The Moderns
Director David Cronenberg, Dead Ringers
Screenplay Ron Shelton, Bull Durham
Cinematography Henri Alekan, Wings of Desire
Music Score Mark Isham, The Moderns
Foreign film Wings of Desire, Wim Wenders
Documentary
Hotel Terminus: The Life and Times of Klaus Barbie, Marcel Ophuls
Experimental/Independent Film Award
The Last of England, Derek JarmanAmerika, Al Razutis
Special Award
Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Robert Zemeckis

The Los Angeles Film Critics Association

The Los Angeles Film Critics are well aware that they symbolically uphold critical and artistic standards in a company town known for churning out "product." Perhaps because they're based in Hollywood, LAFCA members may be more aware of what actually goes into the making of a movie (and just how difficult that is, and how unpredictable the result can be). Accordingly, LAFCA in recent years has added categories the other U.S. critics groups don't acknowledge: music, production design, animation, indie/experimental -- and, each year, a "new generation" award to encourage a promising newcomer, and a "career achievement" award to salute a Hollywood veteran/legend. (The new generation award has been particularly prescient in anticipating good work form people in the early stages of their careers; winners have included Martin Scorsese, Jodie Foster, Spike Lee, Sean Penn, John Carpenter, and Leonardo DiCaprio.)
As the arbiters of hometown quality standards, LAFCA's influence on the Oscars has also been felt in recent years -- particularly with Clint Eastwood's Unforgiven. (Eastwood himself actually thanked the critics for setting his Oscar sweep into motion.) And any actor who gets a nod from the LA critics is sure to win a nomination from the Academy. LAFCA isn't afraid of mainstream tastes, or to be a Hollywood booster -- if the movie's good enough. (Unlike the Academy, they did the right thing in 1982 and voted for E.T. over Gandhi.) In the most famous incident in the group's history, the critics intervened in the dispute between director Terry Gilliam and Universal Pictures when Gilliam screened his version of the still-unreleased Brazil for LAFCA members, who voted it the best film of 1985 -- and thus helped Gilliam's cut get distribution.
Perhaps the most enjoyable event of the grueling awards season is LAFCA's awards banquet (held at the Wyndam Bel Age Hotel in West Hollywood for the last ten years or so). The critics don't just present the awards, they give (short) speeches about the winners' work. It's rare in a town of fawning and backstabbing to hear articulate people talk about movies, and the people who make them, with varying degrees of eloquence and passion. Some L.A. critics may have a tendency to get a little too involved in the business (it's hard not to, when you're immersed in it everywhere you go, but it kind of upsets the balance between "church and state"), but there's no question that the thing that brought them there in the first place is a real love of the movies.

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Tabu – A woman of Substance

Tabassum Hashmi – or Tabu as she is known to all of us is the sister of Farha (also an actress of considerable repute) and niece of veteran actress Shabana Azmi, who is a social worker and wife of Javed Akthar.Tabu is no simpering, giggly beauty without brains. She is definitely a woman of substance and an intelligent woman. She puts to waste axioms like Beauty without brains. When a person meets her, he is spellbound by her beauty and radiance and only when talking with her it is apparent that the radiance is due to an intelligent mind.She made her debut in Dev Anand’s Hum Naujawan when she was 16 years old. She came into her own as a leading artiste only after Vijaypath in 1994. She was on a roller coaster of commercial cinema for 2 years after that
She became associated with meaningful cinema after her role in Astitva. She excelled in Gulzar’s Maachis and owes a lot to him for portraying her talent and ability to get into the skin of the character so well. Gulzar understood that she does not believe in playing a certain character but she becomes the character herself. He was instrumental in grooming her for the more meaningful films.She was asked to choose her role in Meghana Gulzar’s Filhaal. In Madhur Bhandarkar’s Chandni Bar, she gave an award winning performance.She has not yet tied the knot, as she is not on the lookout for just any relationship. Maybe if she was younger she could have, but now she knows that she has grown up and also understands that previously she had the same shortcomings of women her age. She acknowledges that women generally are more demanding and petty and jealous. Men she feels are more open natured – till they undergo the travails at the hands of a woman.She is looking for a life partner who will understand and liberate her rather than be constrictive to the relationship. She doesn’t mind biding her time till she meets The Man.According to all her directors she is very well behaved on the sets. Madhur Bhandarkar for one feels she does not need time to prepare for an emotional scene. Where an actor would want to be left alone and mope before such a shot, she can just switch on and switch off her emotions. She can be laughing with the technicians’ minutes before she is emoting heartrending sorrow in the scene.

Sushmita Sen

She is very popular in whatever role she does or even when she is being herself - as her innate intelligence and fun-loving nature is like the radiance she wears. This 30-year-old actress has been working non-stop in remote locations.She has also been working on foreign projects. She finds that working for Hollywood movies is good as they are very organized, but even then feels that the Bollywood scene with the songs and dancing are also fun. She is working in Karma Confessions and Holi, where the Indians are represented rather than made fun of.
She is also acting opposite Richard Gere in a movie called Expat, which is to be filmed in Argentina. Sushmita plays the role of a Pakistani expatriate. Due to her positive attitude and fun loving nature she accepts all her films whether hits or flops as gifts.Sushmita would love to work with Aishwarya in a movie, but since there has been so much media hype about their so called rivalry that it would take a really good director with a strong story line to be able to do justice to both their status and talent Sushmita has completed a film for Tanuja Chandra – Rockin, where she plays a rock star. She is working opposite Saif and Fardeen for a film by Abbas Mastaan.She has started her own production house called Tantra Entertainment and plans to make at least 3 movies a year. Her dream project is to make an epic on Rani Laxmibai. The subject is being researched thoroughly. Sushmita has also started a leisure company called Sensation – where she wants to launch hotels, spas, lounges and restaurants. To begin with she has initiated work on a pub/lounge in Kolkata. It is a 10,000 sq feet space on the 10th floor of a building, with the view of Victoria Gardens on one side and the Howrah Bridge on the other.

The Amitabh Bachan Phenomenon


The 'Angry young man' of the Hindi Cinema, The Shahenshah of Bollywood, The Uncrowned King of the Indian Film Industry, or quite simply, The Big 'B'. Amitabh Bachan is a phenomenon by himself. The actor, who won a 'star' status from his first hit, "Zanjeer", reigned over the film industry for over two and a half decades, and is still shining. In fact, shining brighter than the newest stars in the Galaxy called 'Bollywood'. But getting to this undisputed status was certainly not a cake-walk, for this simpleton from U.P. Born on 11th October 1942, in Allahabad, Amitabh Bachan is the first of the two sons, a perfect blend of the intellect and strength. Of the east and the west. His father, Harivansh Rai Bachan, was an acclaimed peot and a writer, who came from a very eastern background and his mother, Teji, was from Karachi, a Sikh. After his schooling at Sherwood College, in Nainital, he moved to Delhi University to pursue his degree in Arts. Amitabh Bachan had to face rejections right after his graduation, from getting himself a worthwhile job, because of his introvert and shy nature. And finally, he left for Kolkata, where he secured the job of an executive, in a shipping firm . But, after a few years in Calcutta, he realised that, all along, he had an immense interest in movies. Still very shy to make any effort, and after much contemplation and fighting within his mind whether or not to take the plunge, he finally chucked his job and landed himself in the 'Tinsel Town', and what followed that, is not the history of any individual, but that which changed the history of Bollywood itself. However, Amitabh Bachan had to taste his own share of failures in the form of flops and barely noticed films at the outset of his career, such as 'Saat Hindustani', 'Saudagar'etc., before exploding as the 'Angry young Man' in 'Zanjeer', which not only brought success to the Star, but changed the face of Bollywood for the next two decades. It was the beginning of the 'Amitabh Bachan Era'. He became the 'known by all' formula for hit movies, and movies with Amitabh Bachan, were none but hits. His charm, his charisma, not only tantalised the Indian audience, but Bollywood got notice and recognition even in the international arena, just because of the Big B. He became the 'un-appointed' Ambassador of Bollywood. He is inarguably, the most recognized faces in India and one of the most, across the globe. This became evident when he was estabilished as the star of the millennium, by a BBC poll, where the public placed him ahead of every other charismatic icon of the globe, past or present. Amitabh Bachan has appeared in over 130 films, many of them, particularly those from the mid-1970s to the mid-1980s, were huge hits. Every hit, bringing him closer to the masses. Because he portrayed the Man from every walk of life. The honest and the bold Police officer, the shy Lover, the angry and disappointed Youth, the Mine worker, the Singer, the Porter, the Waiter, the freedom fighter, the Politician fighting against corruption, and the list is endless. He was the people's own representative. Their Messiah. This became evident after his legendary accident during the filming of the movie, "Coolie". He had almost bid farewell to the mortal world, if not for the wishes and prayers of the millions of those masses. Many, who actually went through physical penance, for the recovery of their Hero. It was as if their life had come to a standstill, till he emerged, out of his Coma. He had gone into hibernation from films for a few years when he ventured into politics, to lend support to his friend, Rajiv Gandhi. Amitabh Bachan fought and won the election for the Parliament from his hometown, Allahabad in 1984, but within a short span of time he had to 'call it quits', due to some bitter experiences. After this, the legend sported a beard, flaunted his grey hair and floated his company ABCL. Not finding much success in that and on the contrary, incurring huge losses, he finally returned to the silver-screen. During this period, he did his best in some not so successful films, but his mighty comeback was with the Indian version of the hit BBC show, "Millionaire", "Kaun Banega Crorepati" in Star Plus. This show not just proved the veteran's skills of being a unique and fabulous host, but also brought him back to the hearts of his people. This time, even coser. To their living room. The Big B was back with a Big Bang. Many such shows followed in the rival channels, but none could even get close to the show of the King. KBC had become a part of people's lifestyle.Their routine for four days a week. Where else would they get more time with to spend time with the star and if persistent, some even got to be at the show sitting face to face, with 'their' Amitabh, in flesh and blood. Amitabh Bachan's professionalism is still treated as the benchmark for many in the industry. Overwhelmed by the star's professionalism, an Indian battery manufacturer, the brand that the actor had endorsed, is making plans to gift the Mega star with a Mega Birthday Card, on his 62nd Birthday. The card will be 2 km long and will have 2000 scrolls to it. And, it will be signed by 6 lakh retailers of that brand across India. The impact, this thespian has created, on people's minds, is beyond description. I still remember my childhood, when my mom used to comb my hair and when i used to make a fuss of that hairstyle, she would convince me by saying, "Beta, this is Amitabh Bachan's hairstyle." My mom never had a problem combing my hair after that. Such is the impression he leaves on us. It is not only immense, but eternal.

Amitabh Bachchan went through a very bad phase both financially and popularity wise after his movies started flopping in a row. 1999 was a very bad year for him, Lal Badshah, Hindustan Ki Kasam and Kohram all flopped. His company had undergone heavy losses, especially after the Miss world pageant - held in Bangalore. His bungalow was threatened - it was to be auctioned by the bank to recover dues. His friends stepped in and with the signing of Kaun Banega Crorepati for Star his fortune turned. His empathy with the audience and grace and style with which he conducted the show, declared him as a winner in the race against time. At this time he was signed by Yash Chopra for Mohabattein - this movie did very well and Amitabh won an award for best actor in a supporting role. His Ek Rishta too fared well. There was no stopping Amitabh now, he climbed new heights as the mature actor, sporting gray hair and comfortable in all the roles he played He had a spate of releases in all the roles he won acclaim - Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gam was released in2001, followed by Baghban in 2003, Khakhee in 2004, Dev in 2004, Black in 2005, Bunty aur Babli in 2005, Sarkar in 2005 and Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna in 2006. He won awards in most of his movies.