The Lunchbox out of Oscar race, Anurag Kashyap disappointed
Gujarati film The Good Road has sprinted ahead of The Lunchbox as India's entry for the best foreign film at the Oscars. Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap is "very disappointed" that his highly rated movie has not made it but he hopes the chosen film makes it to the final five.
Kashyap took to Twitter to share his disappointment soon after the announcement of the country's representative film at the prestigious awards gala was made Saturday evening.
"Feeling very very disappointed. I can't comment on the film which I have not seen, but it better make it to final five," Kashyap posted on the micro-blogging site.
The Good Road, by debut filmmaker Gyan Correa, had won a National Award for best feature film in Gujarati earlier this year. It was chosen as India's Oscar entry by a committee appointed by the Film Federation of India (FFI).
Kashyap commented: "I don't know who the federation is. But it goes to show why we completely lack the understanding to make films that can travel across borders."
The acclaimed filmmaker called for a "clean policy".
"We should then make a clean policy - you want to send the best film, then send the national award winner or send the one most likely to win," he added.
The Gangs of Wasseypur director termed the whole exercise of selecting a film as "pointless".
"It proves one thing - this whole exercise is pointless. We should just quietly make our films," he said.
The Good Road was selected over 21 films including titles like The Lunchbox, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, Ship of Theseus, English Vinglish, Malayalam film Celluloid and Bengali movie Shabdo.
Filmmaker Goutam Ghose, who chaired the committee to choose the final entry, admitted that The Lunchbox, directed by Ritesh Batra, was indeed a "strong contender".
Love cures you of all the pain and the same love can become the biggest pain of your life. You find companionship in love and at times, it leaves you lonely. Love is heartwarming and heartbreaking. The Lunchbox beautifully depicts the both sides of love. After gathering rave reviews in all the major film festivals, this delight of film is finally here to stir your taste buds and heart strings. The film is remarkably original and doesn’t follow suit to the structures of the romance genre. It makes you laugh and cry. It makes you want to go back to your mother/wife and hug them for taking care of you.
Ila (Nimrit Kaur) is your regular Mumbai housewife. Waking up early, getting her kid ready for school, packing tiffin for her husband who has lost interest in the marriage… that’s Ila’s life. She’s deeply alone. Call it a mistake, coincidence or sheer destiny, one day the lunchbox is not delivered to her husband but reaches the desk of Saajan Fernandes (Irrfan). The lunchbox brings back life into the middle-aged widower’s life. After years of eating staple mess food, Saajan tastes love. The food touches his soul. Ila realises that the tiffin was had by someone else and not her husband but she’s happy as the tiffin was wiped out. She writes a note to Saajan along with the lunchbox the next day. The exchange of notes lead to an undefined bonding. Ila and Saajan rediscover themselves with the letters. They give life another chance. The notes start growing into letters and become more revelatory of their inner selves.
The film beautifully deals with despair, loneliness and unrequited love. The Lunchbox is also an ode to Mumbai. You catch glimpses of the jam-packed local trains, the over-crowded busses and the busy roads. It shows you how delicate relationships and bonds are formed amidst the hustle bustle of the city so well known to us. The films also makes you nostalgic. The characters of the film ache for Doordarshan’s Yeh Jo Hai Zindagi and sing songs from Saajan.
Full props to debutant director Ritesh Batra for creating a world so present yet so old world. It’s a good change to see two people connecting over love letters than SMS’s. Ritesh also has a strong hold over the narrative of the film. There are few scene in the film which go on for long but you are so engrossed into the film’s poignancy that you forget the world. Ritesh is helped by an able star cast who elevate the film to an all together different level. Adjectives fail when it comes to describing Irrfan’s performance. Just when you think, he can’t better himself, he surprises you once again. He barely speaks in the film and just lets his body do the talking. Nimrit Kaur is a find. She’s the whip of fresh of air we need in our cinema. She showcases all emotions; love, longing, sadness and joy with abundant ease. Her craft seems effortless. The film has a strong sporting cast too. The ever dependable Nawazuddin Siddique shines in a small role playing Saajan’s nosey colleague. There’s a scene in the film where Irrfan says to Nawazuddin, “There’s no value for talent in this country.” You smile as two of the most talented actors in the country exchange this line and think whether it’s actually a jibe of the current scenario of out films. There’s one more strong character in the film too. You don’t see “Aunty” throughout the film. You only hear her giving culinary tips to Ila. Her voice is familiar and you are happy when you realise it’s Bharti Achrekar.
To sum it up, The Lunchbox is one of the best films to come out from Hindi film industry. It takes us a notch higher. Do yourself a favour and watch this film. And you are warned… you will be hungry for good food and love after the end credits roll.
- Babita was reading Leo Tolstoy's Anna Karenina when she was pregnant with Kareena and that's how she got her name.
- Two days into shooting she walked out of her debut film, Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai. She then signed J P Dutta’s Refugee opposite Abhishek Bachchan. Here she played Naaz, a Bangladeshi girl who falls in love with a refugee while illegally migrating to Pakistan with her family.
- She’s one of the few actresses who can boast of having hits with the all the ruling Khans in the Bollywood. Think 3 Idiots with Aamir Khan, Bodyguard with Salman Khan and Kabhie Khushie Kabhie Gham with Shah Rukh Khan.
- In 2004 Kareena was seen as established actor thanks to films like Chameli, Yuva and Dev. On the other hand her films like Aitraaz and Hulchul worked well at the box-office.
- On October 27, 2011, Kapoor’s wax statue was unveiled at Madame Tussauds in Blackpool in the UK.
- Kareena’s favourite cuisine is Italian and her favourite dish is sphagetti. A self-titled foodie, Kapoor believes in portion control and small meals throughout the day.
- In 2008, Kapoor began the size-zero trend in Bollywood. Even at her thinnest (48kilograms), she was not waif-like but showcased her new-found body in skimpy outfits in Tashan.
- She started dating Saif Ali Khan from tashan. Given Saif’s nawabi chutzpah, the couple ent public about their affection. ‘Saifeena’ (equivalent of Hollywood’s Brangelina) was the title accorded to them by the media.
- Kareena got married to Saif Ali Khan in court on October 16, 2012.
Kareena's award winning performances
6 time Filmfare Award winner, Kareena Kapoor Khan is a powerhouse performer and she proves it everytime
Kareena Kapoor Khan was supposed to debut with Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai but she lost the chance and soon signed JP Dutta's Refugee in 2000. It has been over a decade and she has grown as an actress phenomenally. Though she gives stellar performances, we give you Kareena's best of best 6 performances that has bagged her the coveted black lady.
Refugee
Award: Best debutant - 2000
JP Dutta's Refugee earned her the first black lady. The films tells the story of an un-named Indian Muslim, who helps illegal refugees from both India and Pakistan to cross the border through the Great Rann of Kutch.
Chameli
Award: Special Performance -2004
Kareena chose the off-beat cinema and got the critics on her side with Chameli. Kareena plays a role of prostitute and stars Rahul Bose opposite her.
Dev
Award: Best Actress (Critics)
Kareena yet again proved it that she is not all glamour and glitz. Dev got her the critic's choice Best Actress award.
Omkara
Award: Best Actress (Critics)
Kareena as Dolly Mishra in Vishal Bhardwaj's adaptation of Shakespeare’s Othello was outstanding.
Jab We Met
Award: Best Actress
Now this one can go down the history. Kareena Kapoor as Geet won audiences and critics alike.
We Are Family
Award: Best Actress in a Supporting Role
The Hindi version of Stepmother left everyone teary-eyed. No dobt that Kareena deserved the trophy.
Birthday Special: Kareena's top 10
On her birthday, we bring you Kareena Kapoor Khan's top 10 tracks
She is beautiful and how! We love Kareena Kapoor Khan's fun and charming attitude. On her birthday, we bring you her best top 10 songs in which she sizzled and scorched our screens. Check it out...
Song: You Are My Soniya
Movie: Kabhie Khushi Kabhi Gham
"I have worn a bikini in front of my mother-in-law"- Kareena Kapoor Khan
Some actors create more entertainment for us off screen. More than their onscreen shenanigans. It’s easy to warm up to Kareena Kapoor Khan. Never a dull moment. I’ve known her for 12 years now. She can give you a polar bear hug, weight loss tips and cut you to size with her rapier-sharp tongue.
She won’t keep in touch for days and months on end. And then off the will cuff send you a long message from the Alps. She’s conscious of her star status yet she plays it down. From Madagascar to Montreal, she has a humongous fan following. But when you see her unwind on the sets, she seems so earthy. Almost.
I’ve seen those champagne eyes mist over, have seen them flash fire and have seen them look vacant. She sent me an elaborately designed wedding card for a reception in Delhi and was miffed that I couldn’t be with her on her big day. But Bebo holds no grudges. She good humouredly complains that I love arty films and arty actors more than her.
She pours through these endless fashion magazines, making notes to pick up a Tom Ford exclusive on her next trip to Paris; posts giggly pictures on her dp with husband Saif Ali Khan sipping the most expensive wines. Apropos nothing she tells me that she’d love to be Alexander Mcqueen’s muse, quotes Kate Moss and displays her endless boot collection to me. That’s KKK then, all fashion, all heart, all entertainment.
On the occasions that her heart has gone boom boom and her mind has left town, the feisty girl is replaced by a sombre woman. But she doesn’t wallow in misery. Self preservation is her key to survive roadblocks. She’s today’s IT girl. Shape up or ship out is her hook. Marriage has brought about a tranquility. Quiet meals with hubby or friends have replaced raucous girls’ night out. The school girl penchant for gossip has been replaced with homespun wisdom. Which all adds up as the right time to meet the red hot Kareena Kapoor Khan. Her strawberry lips look fuller; the eyes take on a deeper shade of sea green. If it’s possible then she’s grown more breathtaking. The holiday tan accentuating the loveliness.
Warm as the polar bear hug given, she teases me endlessly about favouring other actresses as I try to coax her into her larger- than-the-movies lifestyle post marriage. Reproduced below is an unexpurgated transcript of our conversation punctuated with food and giggles…
Q. What change has marriage brought in? There seems to be tranquillity about you…
Nothing really. I just feel more at ease. I don’t know why people keep on and on about how marriage calms you down, changes you and all. Maybe, I am more at ease because I lived with Saif for four years before we got married.
Q. How is living in different from marriage? Is living in more liberated in that sense?
People don’t get the fact that living in is not a big deal today. My parents (Randhir and Babita Kapoor) were shocked when we decided to live in. But I am glad I did it. It was like being married. What’s the big deal? We got married at home. We got out of our bedroom went to the living room and signed the papers. It was the most comfortable way to get married. It was the best way. So it hardly made any difference. I want Saif and me to represent modern thinking. Like a married couple which has traditional values. Love is all about being together.
Q. Is there a key for a successful marriage?
I don’t think I have tips or a key to a successful marriage. I don’t think any such tips exist either. Even in our relationship, apart from the fact that I love him, there’s no particular way of saying that this is the right way or that one should follow this path.
Q. The interesting thing is that you don’t carry this married woman vibe…
If you love someone, you want to spend your life with him. I don’t understand why it is such a big deal. I’ll never carry the vibe. People take it in the wrong way like ‘oh she’s married!’ But I don’t care. In fact, I am having more fun after being married. I am enjoying the shoots more, I am going out more. I am partying and having more holidays. And I love it. Ultimately, for an actress, it’s all about timing. You have to do everything at the right time. Timing is important for success and marriage. That’s my advice to actresses. It’s the right decision at the right time. You have to decide what you want. That’s why I’ve always been open about love.
Q. Give me an instance where you had to return home early, make changes in your movie plans for Saif...
The reason that Saif and I got married is because he loves that I am an individual. People forget that I am married to someone like Saif. He is not a typical husband. He has never asked me about the movies I do and he never will. That’s the relationship we share. It could be that sometimes I ask him that what you are doing next. But Saif has never asked me till date. He will never ask me ‘Who are you shooting for’ or ‘Which actor are you working with’. Never!
Q. The fact that he is your senior, does it rub off on you?
He knows I am responsible. He understands the girl I am. His mother (Sharmila Tagore) was a working woman and till today is. So there’s no question of him nagging me about anything.
Q. How has it been in the palace? Did you have to make any adjustments? How is your rapport with Sharmilaji?
Not at all. I believe I am a well brought up child and they love me. They know that I make Saif happy. We trust each other. And there’s lots of love and care. No one has asked me what I do. I guess there is a lot of hype about marriage, media, films, producers, directors... We tend to give these things a lot of importance. But Saif and I are individualistic and modern in our thinking.
Q. Has there been an occasion when you have been asked to behave like a daughter-in-law in the palace?
No. Right now, Saif has taken the palace back. When I am with the family, I am treated like a daughter. Sharmilaji treats me like a daughter. We are not in the 1900s. We don’t live like traditional saas bahus. We just went to the Maldives for a holiday where I wore a bikini in front of my mother-in-law. It’s normal. I don’t understand why it’s such a big thing. I would do the same with my mother.
Q. Is there a piece of jewellery that you hold close because it’s part of Saif’s heirloom?
Saif hasn’t given anything like that to me. But yes, he cherishes his grandmother’s Quran Shareef, which he got from Bhopal. He treasures that. We have kept it in our home. Tradition is important to Saif. He’s emotional about it whereas I am more vocal about it.
Q. Have you ever cooked a meal for Saif? Are you good at cooking at all?
He has attempted to cook. Saif likes the idea of cooking and creating an atmosphere for it. Like spaghetti bolognese being cooked in an open kitchen with music like jazz and blues playing and some wine to be enjoyed. He thinks he’s cooking but actually it’s like ‘yeh kaato, bring this, bring that’. So that’s what he is. He’s cooking by remote control.
Q. Long back you had mentioned that being with him has widened your horizons…
That’s because he’s a different kind of a guy He’s always reading, which is also kind of annoying. Sometimes I have to tell him, ‘Saif stop reading and talk to me!’ He loves his books, which is good. So now days, while he reads, I do Sudoku or some word game. I enjoy reading magazines that cover the English country life. Also, while our relationship is very English, at the same time it’s grounded and earthy. He is a mix of both - like he wants to have dal chawal and papad but after three days; he’ll want to have spaghetti or steak. So that’s charming.
Q. Have you ever been on an exotic holiday?
It’s me who urges him to go on holidays but people think it’s the other way round. We haven’t gone on any exotic holiday yet. We keep repeating the same destinations like London, Switzerland, Paris. We want to visit different places now. Yeah, I want to move out and live in France away from all the madness. Everything is so temporary. Our youth is gone in chasing success. Actors forget to actually live life. But I have always wanted to have both. I’ve been a bit greedy. Like I keep saying I want to be like Brigitte Bardot and live in the South of France.
Q. What about your relationship with his kids – Sarah and Ibrahim?
I always maintain it as though we are friends because they have a wonderful mother (Amrita Singh), who has done a splendid job in bringing them up. Sarah has got admission in the Columbia University. Few girls get the opportunity to study there. Saif has, in fact, gone to drop her there. There are many scholars in his family. Saif encourages education. I’m happy for the kids. I never had this kind of an opportunity. My advice to her was, you can act anytime. But an opportunity to go to Columbia and live in New York on your own will not come again. What I have realised is that there’s so much more to life than constantly trying to bag a film.
Q. Do you miss the fact that you could have studied there…
Yes, I wish I could have attended such a great university. But I don’t know how it would be because I have struggled in the film industry too. I have had my share of flops.
Q. Has Saif given you this perspective that there’s a life beyond the movies?
Yes, that Saif has definitely given to me. I am lucky. I guess, it’s good to have the best of both the worlds. Like I have my friends who I like going out with here and I have friends whom I meet all over the world.
Q. Do you have girly nights where you gang up against the husbands…
That doesn’t happen often because we don’t meet much. Our friends are mostly in England and New York. In Mumbai, we don’t go out much. Saif doesn’t like it. Whenever I tell Saif that we will go for this fashion show or that event, he’s not keen. He doesn’t understand the idea of going to an event and being photographed. He says we are actors; we should just do our movies, some ads and go on a holiday. I like his attitude. He’ll say I am chilling at home. I have also become like that now.
Q. What about starting a family?
It’s not even a thought. It is just a distant thought. Right now, there’s so much more. We’ve barely been married for a year.
Q. You don’t think the biological clock is ticking?
Not at all. I am 10 years younger to Saif, why should I be worried? He should be.
Q. Does he pamper you?
It’s not just he who pampers. People have this image about Saif Ali Khan. I pamper him more. I have made him grounded, responsible, emotional and calm. Saif had a childlike thing to him, which has suddenly disappeared in the last few years. We have matured together.
Q. Do you handle relationships better now that you are 30?
No. I believe if you are in love, everything remains the same. Nothing changes. But yes, you come into your own. It is like wearing a pair of jeans, which fits really well.
Q. What about doing more mature roles like Heroine?
I have done roles like this before. I did Chameli when I was 22. It all depends on my state of mind.
Q. Was working in Satyagraha tough considering it was a not a commercial set up?
I had fun playing the part of a journalist. It wasn’t tough at all. I enjoy being put in different set-ups. The cast was stellar. I enjoyed working with Prakash Jha, who is a fine person and director. He knows how to create situations, which are dramatic and come across well.
Q. What are the perks of being a star?
People believe stars enjoy a lot of perks. But it’s not true. I am constantly working, sometimes working for 16- 18 hours a day.
Q. Do you regret anything in your career?
I never look back. I always look forward. From Subhash Ghai, Rajkumar Hirani to Imtiaz Ali, I’ve worked with the best. Also, I have kept a balance between my movies and my personal life. I never said that I am working 28 hours a day. I can never be like that. I will always have both. I have always been in a relationship. I don’t remember the time when I wasn’t in one.
Bollywood's mother-daughter jodis: From reel to real
Bollywood's mother-daughter duos like Kajol-Tanuja and Sharmila Tagore-Soha Ali Khan have not just struck the right chemistry and friendship off the arclights - their bonding has translated on screen too.
On the occasion of Daughter's Day, which falls on Sunday, IANS lists the popular mother-daughter duos who have brought their real life magic alive on reel via films. While some of them have faced the camera together, there are exceptions like Hema Malini and Aparna Sen, who even directed their daughters in their movies.
Tanuja-Kajol: They first teamed up for the 1992 film Bekhudi and were last seen on the screen in the 2010 movie Toonpur Ka Superhero. Kajol had once admitted that the idea of working with her mother scared her due to the latter's perfectionist attitude. But around the release of Toonpur Ka Superhero, she was quoted as saying that she had gained the confidence to face her mother for the camera.
Sharmila Tagore-Soha Ali Khan: Soha had always maintained that she wanted to be a part of her mother's glorious filmography and she finally got a chance with Sangeeta Datta's 2009 film Life Goes On. Off the cameras, they share a mother-daughter bond like any other with Soha eyeing her mother's jewellery pieces, but Sharmila always lends her expertise - be it in acting or in delivering Bengali dialogues in movies, to her girl.
Aparna Sen-Konkona Sen Sharma: Actress-turned-director Aparna Sen's fine tuning with her talented daughter Konkona Sen Sharma was evident in Mr And Mrs Iyer. It even won Konkana a best actress National Award. Aparna went on to helm 15 Park Avenue which also featured Konkana and garnered much critical acclaim. On screen, they teamed up for Bengali drama "Iti Mrinalini", where Aparna essayed the older version of the character played by Konkana.
Hema Malini-Esha Deol: After being a part of many films like Cash, Na Tum Jaano Na Hum, Kuchh Toh Hai, Chura Liya Hai Tumne, Darling and One Two Three, which failed miserably at the box office, Esha Deol found herself struggling in Bollywood. As every mother would do, Hema Malini too made an attempt to lift her daughter's career by directing Tell Me O Kkhuda. Alas, that also didn't do well.
The list doesn't end here.
Some of Bollywood's other popular mother-daughter duos include Dimple Kapadia and her daughters Twinkle Khanna and Rinke, Moon Moon Sen with her daughters Raima and Riyaa Sen and Lilette Dubey with her daughter Ira Dubey.
In the ad world too, one has seen actress Neetu Singh posing with her girl Riddhima Kapoor. Sonakshi Sinha too will reportedly team up with her elegant mother Poonam for an advertisement.
Sonam Kapoor to launch clothing line with sister Rhea
Bollywood fashionista Sonam Kapoor is teaming up with designer sister Rhea for her debut clothing line.
The Raanjhanaa star, who is known for her unique style and fashion sense, is the first one in her generation to have started her clothing range.
"It's an extremely stylish and classic line of clothing. They have come up with a range that can be worn by everyone. Sonam has been looked upon as one of the biggest fashionistas in the industry," a source said.
The couture and the whole styling have been kept under wraps.
Fashion designer Rhea is known for styling her father Anil Kapoor and Sonam for their various outings.
The popularity of Raj Kapoor in former Soviet republics notwithstanding, young Uzbeks swear by Shah Rukh Khan when it comes to present-day Bollywood.
"I loved Shah Rukh Khan in Don 2 and My Name is Khan. I have watched these films many times," says Bekzod, a guest relation officer at Hotel Miran International here.
"Now I want to see his Chennai Express," Bekzod told PTI. Bekzod's colleague Ismoil Umarhodjaev also is a Shah Rukh fan.
"I have seen almost all his movies. I love his dialogue delivery style," says Ismoil as he uttered the famous "K-k-Kiran" dialogue from Darr. He also likes movies of Amitabh Bachchan.
Another Shah Rukh follower is Utkur, a young guide and interpreter. "He is the real Khan," he says. Film enthusiasts like them in Uzbekistan get DVDs of Bollywood movies dubbed in the local language. Many shops and households in Uzbekistan carry posters of Bollywood stars. Akhmadjon Kasimov, who runs a special programme Namaste Hindiston on Yoshlar Radio, has also dubbed for over 300 Bollywood films including Don 2 and Ra.One.
Kasimov, who plays five-six songs every episode, says listeners want to know details about actors like Shah Rukh, Amitabh and Hrithik Roshan.
He also gets a lot of requests asking him to help bring Shah Rukh Khan to Uzbekistan. "There have been a lot of efforts to bring Shah Rukh," says Kasimov.
Actor Mithun Chakraborty, who is also very popular here, performed at the Istikol Concerts Hall here on May 28 and 29. "It was a huge success. People loved his performance," says Kasimov.
A 'Bollywood Night' is also planned during the 5th Indian Trade Exhibition here next month organised by the INDIA-CIS Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The older lot, however, still owe their allegiance to the likes of Kapoor and Chakraborty. Bekzod and Ismoil's colleague Asiya does not watch Bollywood movies. Her mother, however, is a big fan. "She watches films of Raj Kapoor. She is a big fan. She must have seen these fans plenty of times," says Asiya. According to Kasimov, the Kapoor family has been in Uzbekistan several times.
"Seven years ago, Randhir and Rishi Kapoor along with singer Nitin Mukesh came here for a program to pay tribute to Raj Kapoor. Randhir Kapoor came again three years ago to attend a film festival," he says.
Abhinav Kashyap: My brother and I want to rule different areas of Bollywood
Abhinav Kashyap is known for his masala entertainers, while his elder brother and filmmaker Anurag Kashyap's forte is parallel cinema. And the Dabangg director says they want to rule different areas of Bollywood.
"When Anurag will get into masala films, then probably I will think of making his kind of cinema. We both brothers want to rule different areas of Bollywood," Abhinav said in a group interview.
"We are mafias. We don't operate in each other's area," he added jokingly.
While Abhinav made it big with his directorial debut Dabangg, a mass entertainer, Anurag carved a niche for himself with dark dramas Black Friday, Gangs Of Wasseypur, and Dev D among others.
Abhinav gives credit to his brother for his film career and said that they both are "happy for each other".
"I am proud that everybody knows my elder brother," said Abhinav, but added that his brother sometimes feels his journey has been not easy.
"Anurag at times says that with just one film you have made a mark for yourself and look at me, I have done so many films, still people don't know me."
Abhinav is currently busy promoting Besharam, which has Ranbir Kapoor in the title role and the cast also features his parents and yesteryear superhit on screen couple - Neetu and Rishi Kapoor. Pallavi Sharda will be seen as the female lead in the movie.
Actress Dia Mirza and beau Sahil Sangha have signed Vidya Balan for their forthcoming feature Bobby Jasoos, to be produced under their banner Born Free Entertainment.
Vidya, 35, will play the lead in the film.
"I found the idea of a lady detective irresistible as I did the title Bobby Jasoos. I've known Dia and Sahil for many years, they're lovely people and one can sense that this will be their shared labor of love.
"That's the kind of Producers everyone hopes to have. The final clincher was the script by Sanyuktha Chawla and Director Samar Shaikh who I'm really looking forward to working with," said Vidya.
Mirza is equally emphatic about the venture and said, "I'm thrilled to welcome Vidya into the Born Free family. The script of Bobby Jasoos bears testimony to the fact that being patient and investing in good stories usually reaps good dividends."
The shooting for the movie will start mid-November this year and will be ready for a summer 2014 release. Dia and Sahil last produced Love Breakups Zindagi.
Anupam Kher: Want Sikander to be popular as his contemporaries
Veteran actor Anupam Kher's son Sikander may not have had a successful run at the box office so far, but the father hopes the young actor becomes as popular as his contemporaries.
So far, Sikandar's journey in B-town has not been smooth. His films -- Summer 2007, Woodstock Villa and Khele Hum Jee Jaan Sey all failed to garner attention at the box-office.
"I would love for him to be as busy and popular as his contemporaries, but he is taking it very well and is excited about his new film. I think he has an amazing role in Tere Bin Laden part 2," Anupam told PTI.
"I think certain things happen at a time... I have faith in him. Can you imagine if he was non talented and yet wanted to be an actor? That would've been a nightmare. Now its a matter of time," he added.
Anupam reveals they do talk and discuss about films and he often gives him suggestion. "It (suggestion) doesn't happen over dining table it happens on a normal conversation when I feel this is how it should be," he said.
Though, the 58-year-old has liked his son's work, he is aware that the films did not do well at the box office. "He himself is brilliant. I say it with great pride but unfortunately in our business success is more important than being brilliant but I am sure it will follow. If there's a possibility where I can produce a film (for him) I would love to," he adds.
Meanwhile, Kher is quite kicked up about his stint on small screen with Anil Kapoor's much talked about show '24'. And the prime reason for him to give a nod for this show was his friendship with Kapoor.
"I play a RAW agent Wasim Khan. It is a two episode role that I have in this season. Anil called me and said there's a role I want you to do. So there was no questioning about it. I hope he reciprocates the same way when one day I call him to do a role for me. 24 is a series which I am an admirer of," Anupam said.
The national award winning actor feels 24 will be a game changer for small screen. "This will be a game-changer because it respects the sensibility of the audience. I also feel that we have moved to another level of television. From Doordarshan, we went to satellite channel from there we went to a certain kind of shows and then reality shows. Now this fiction show has great possibility of doing very well," he added.
Earlier, Kher did a show on TV called Say Na Something To Anupam Uncle and he says he would love to do that show again as today kids are completely different.
"When I did the show earlier I knew the psyche of the children. But not anymore so it could be challenging for me. As today the child knows how to operate smart phone, computers, what is going on in his mind and how much information does translate into knowledge would be very interesting to find out," he said.
"The children today are also very independent. What the child says today at the age of 7 is something I hadn't thought of till the age of 20-21, he adds.
Top 10 Most Romantic On-Screen Couples Of All Time
Love was always an essential part of Hindi films and when we talk about love, how can we forget the magical on-screen pairs of Indian cinema. There are few on-screen couple who never fade from our memory even after they cease to exist on screen. Let's talk about Bollywood’s most romantic on-screen couples, who shared splendid chemistry onscreen and went on to become a hit pair. Here are the Bollywood's top 10 most romantic on-screen couples of all time who almost certainly did their best to make love come alive on the celluloid screen.
Raj Kapoor and Nargis
Raj Kapoor and Nargis were one of the earliest couples who shared a splendid chemistry onscreen. They brought openness to their onscreen romance in the black and white era. But the chemistry wasn’t just restricted onscreen. Offscreen too they shared a soul-stirring affair, despite Raj Kapoor being a married man. After `Awaara' (1951) Nargis worked almost exclusively with Raj Kapoor, even turning down her mentor Mehboob's `Aan' (1952). The passion that they had for one another came live onscreen as they romanced each other in films like `Aag', `Barsaat', `Andaaz', `Awaara' and `Shree 420'. © R.K. Films
Guru Dutt and Waheeda Rehman
When you think of the golden era of Hindi cinema, Guru Dutt and his films like `Kaagaz Ke Phool' and `Pyaasa' instantly come to your mind. And the woman who gave Guru Dutt company in these films was Waheeda Rehman. Guru Dutt was married to singer Geeta Dutt but his philandering ways didn’t stop him from having a strong affair with Waheeda Rehman. Geeta even separated from her husband. © Guru Dutt Films Pvt. Ltd.
Dilip Kumar and Vyjayanthimala
The original Devdas–Chandramukhi pair of Dilip Kumar and Vyjayanthimala was quite a hit on the screen of the 60s. They shared a pure professional relationship only. Vyjayanthimala (despite having a South Indian origin) spoke chaste Hindi and even Bhojpuri when she was paired opposite Dilip Kumar in films of that era. © Sasadhar Mukherjee Productions
Rajesh Khanna and Sharmila Tagore
The first superstar of filmdom was known for his romantic roles. And he showed the best chemistry with Bengali beauty Sharmila Tagore. The duo went ahead to do a string of musical hits together. Their sensual chemistry was palpable in the number ‘Roop Tera Mastana’ from ‘Aradhana’. In ‘Amar Prem’, a disillusioned Rajesh Khanna sought solace in the prostitute played by Sharmila. Yash Chopra’s ‘Daag’ had a love triangle but Sharmila won over Raakhee in winning Khanna. ‘Avishkaar’ despite being an offbeat film had Sharmila trying her best from saving her marriage gone wrong. © Shakti Films
Dharmendra and Hema Malini
He was the Punjab-da-puttar, while she was the queen of South. The two co-starred in over 40 films which is a record of sorts. Love was brewing all through. They fell in love on the sets of Ramesh Sippy's Sholay. But Dharmendra was a married man and his first wife Prakash Kaur refused to divorce him. In a very filmi way, they got converted to Islam on August 21, 1979. Dharmendra was renamed Dilawar Khan, while Hema Malini was called Aisha Bi, and they got married. © BCCL
Amitabh Bachchan and Rekha
The angry young man worked with almost every actress of his generation from Sharmila Tagore to Smita Patil but made the best couple with the diva Rekha. After working in a spate of films, rumor-mills went rife that they were seeing each other. Yash Chopra’s film ‘Silsila’ was almost a real life representation for the Big B where he had an affair with Rekha and was married to Jaya Bhaduri. Even the song ‘Rang Barse’ turned out to be quite controversial. Amitabh Bachchan’s life went into personal crisis post `Silsila' and he had to face a lot of turmoil with respect to this liaison. The couple never worked together after ‘Silsila’. Interestingly, however they both were associated with a common film ‘Sooryavansham’. While Amitabh played the male lead, Rekha did the Hindi dubbing for the South Indian actress who was paired opposite Amitabh. © Yash Raj Films
Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Singh
While Neetu Singh was paired opposite both Shashi Kapoor and Randhir Kapoor, she formed the best pair with Rishi Kapoor with whom she went on to work in almost a dozen films. The actors were on the wish list of most producers in a package deal. After a much publicized engagement in 1979 that was the talk of town, the duo soon tied the nuptial knot. Neetu Singh was just 21 then and at the peak of her career with a Filmfare nomination already. But as it was customary for actresses married to the Kapoor family to retire after marriage, Neetu too quit films and settled into a life of marital bliss. © BCCL
Anil Kapoor and Madhuri Dixit
In late 80s and the early 90s the Bollywood screen was set ablaze with the sizzling hot chemistry of Anil Kapoor and Madhuri Dixit. Madhuri looked most comfortable in intimate scenes with Anil Kapoor. There was a constant competition between Madhuri Dixit and Sridevi on who makes a better pair with Anil Kapoor and Madhuri clearly won it. © Natraj Productions
Aamir Khan and Juhi Chawla
Aamir Khan debuted in ‘Holi’. Juhi Chawla started with ‘Sultanat’. But even today movie lovers believe that the duo debuted in the film `Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak'. Such was the impact of this romantic film. The film went on to become a huge success. And thereafter the duo continued to work in several films that didn’t do justice to their caliber but their chemistry was always lauded. During `Ishq' problems seemed to crop up between Aamir Khan and Juhi Chawla and they didn’t work after that. But off late the duo seems to have buried the hatchet when Aamir attended the funeral of Juhi’s father and was there for the actress in her testing times. © Nasir Hussain Films
Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol
Their chemistry doesn’t seek any explanation to the audiences. If it’s Shah Rukh Khan working with Kajol, the film has to be a hit. At least their track record says so. Right from `Baazigar' to `Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham' and even the special appearances in films like `Kal Ho Naa Ho' and `Om Shanti Om', every time they team together it results in blockbuster hits. © BCCL
heck out the top 10 most popular Bollywood movies for teenagers.
1. Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na
With heartthrob Imran Khan and the vivacious Genelia D'Souza as its lead pair, 'Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na' is an indubitable winner with the youth for being one of the coolest yet most relatable romantic-comedies of the decade in Bollywood.
2. Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander
Set against sports backdrop, 'Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander' offers Aamir Khan at his youthful best! This one, with its impeccable storyline, makes for one of the most endearing teenager movies in Hindi cinema till date.
3. Kuch Kuch Hota Hai
Filmmaker Karan Johar's directorial debut 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai', starring Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol and Rani Mukherji in lead roles, sort of revived the concept of 'love triangle' on the silver screen. The film, which is apparently a hit with the college-goers till date, did wonders at the box office at one point of time.
4. Bobby
Marking the filmi debut of Rishi Kapoor and Dimple Kapadia, 'Bobby' emerged as a trend-setter for several movies that followed in Hindi cinema for years. Set against the backdrop of a rich vs. poor love story, this widely imitated teenage romance was a path-breaker at the box office.
5. Love Story
With Kumar Gaurav and Vijeta Pandit making their Bollywood debuts with this one, 'Love Story' is an immaculate coming of age teenage romance that makes for a complete entertainment package with love, drama, action and music as its main ingredients!
6. Ek Duje Ke Liye
Well, like most other teenage love stories in Bollywood, 'Ek Duje Ke Liye' too marked the debut of two of the industry's finest actors Kamal Haasan and Rati Agnihotri. The film, which is known to be a remake of Telugu movie 'Maro Charithra', went on to become a blockbuster.
7. 3 Idiots
Renowned filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani's directorial skills in '3 Idiots' combined with Aamir Khan's out of the ordinary performance surely made it a stealer among the youth. Also, the film, which is said to be loosely inspired by a Chetan Bhagat novel, reportedly went on to become the highest-grossing Bollywood film of all time in India.
8. Wake Up Sid
With Bollywood heartthrob Ranbir Kapoor playing the role of a college student in 'Wake Up Sid', the film has a storyline most teenagers could relate to.
9. Mera Pehla Pehla Pyaar
Starring Ruslaan Mumtaz and Hazel Crowney in the lead roles, 'Mera Pehla Pehla Pyaar' is one of the most fresh and light-hearted love stories in Bollywood.
10. Dil Dosti Etc
Although this one couldn't manage to create waves at the box office, 'Dil Dosti Etc' is an interesting take on the indistinctness of the enviable youth years!
This article originally appeared in Times Of India.
Bollywood is known as the land of dreams. People from various parts of the world come to India just to be a part of our entertainment industry. Every year we Bollywood sees many new faces, but only few amongst these make it to the top after passing through rough battles and struggles of tinsel town. Here, we list down the top 10 popular faces of Bollywood who wooed audiences' in the past, but went missing without much of a trace.
1. Mamta Kulkarni
Mamta joined Bollywood at the age of 20. She got a smashing debut with 'Aashiq Awara' opposite Saif Ali Khan. Both Mamta and Saif won the best debut film awards that year. The actress was successfully climbing the ladder of success and worked with all the three Khans in Bollywood - Shah Rukh, Salman and Aamir. But her bold shirtless cover image on a popular magazine brought her career down. She was last in the news for her relationship with Vicky Goswami, a supplier of drugs who works for the underworld.
2. Kimi Katkar
One of the sex sirens of Bollywood, Kimi Katkar was a popular Bollywood actress during the mid 1980s to early 1990s. She played some important roles but her career in Bollywood was short-lived. The actress is best remembered for her role as Jumma opposite Amitabh Bachchan. People loved her whether it was her role in 'Tarzan' or Jumma in 'Hum'. Katkar quit the Hindi film industry after her marriage to photographer and ad-filmmaker Shantanu Shorey.
3. Anu Agarwal
Anu Agarwal rose to fame in Bollywood with her debut film 'Aashiqui'. For Anu, being in the showbiz industry was not an agenda at all as she never dreamt of being a star but Mahesh Bhatt convinced her to do 'Aashiqui'. However, the film offers started pouring in after the success of 'Aashiqui'. But things took a U-turn in her life when in 1999, she met with an accident that left her half-paralyzed and down with a memory loss for some time. She even forgot who she was and how big a star she was back home in Bollywood.
4. Mandakini
Light-eyed beauty, Mandakini who created stir with her debut film 'Ram Teri Ganga Maili' in which she put up a bold act. The actress later acted in a few more successful films, like 'Dance Dance' with Mithun Chakraborty and 'Pyaar Karke Dekho' with Govinda, but failed to recreate the success of her first film. But her career got spoiled all thanks to her alleged relationship with underworld Don, Dawood Ibrahim.
5. Farah
Farah ruled Bollywood from the early 1980 to the 1990s and was successful in working with almost all top actors of her time. But her best films include 'Imaandaar', 'Naseeb Apna Apna', 'Love 86' and 'Baap Numbari Beta Dus Numbari'. And regardless of getting married to Dara Singh's son Vindu Dara Singh in a Bollywood family,the actress stayed away from films and social circuit.
6. Sonam
The actress had a dull start in Bollywood with films like 'Vijay' and 'Mitti Aur Sona'. But Sonam went on to become popular as the 'Oye Oye' girl of Bollywood. After Tridev, Sonam was a star on the rise and despite her husky voice; her curvaceous body endeared the masses. Sonam married filmmaker Rajiv Rai and both fled the nation, after receiving extortion threats.
7. Sonu Walia
Sonu Walia, who was known for her resemblance to popular actress Parveen Babi and Zeenat Aman, brought in the glamour quotient in many films. The actress was the next sex symbol of Bollywood. Sonu Walia is best remembered for her role in Rakesh Roshan's blockbuster 'Khoon Bhari Maang'. But after some hit-and-miss roles in television serials, the actress has gone missing.
8. Meenakshi
The beautiful and talented Meenakshi was the youngest woman to be crowned Miss India at the age of 17. The actress proved her versatility with many blockbuster films like 'Hero', 'Shahenshah' and even in the woman centric film, 'Damini'. She gave a powerful performance in her last film 'Ghatak' which released in 1997.
9. Ayesha Jhulka
Vivacious and beautiful, Ayesha Jhulka played some substantial roles with actors likes Salman Khan, Aamir Khan and Akshay Kumar. The actress proved her acting mettle in films like 'Jo Jeeta Wahi Sikander', 'Khiladi' and 'Masoom'. The actress was last seen in 'Socha Na Tha' and 2006-released Aishwarya Rai starrer 'Umrao Jaan' as Khurshid, a courtesan. Ayesha is married to construction tycoon Sameer Vashi.
10. Somy Ali
Known as Bollywood superstar's girlfriend, Somy Ali went on to act in nine films during the 1990s, most of them big-scale but forgettable duds like 'Andolan', 'Yaar Gaddar', 'Anth' and 'Aao Pyar Karen', and opposite big stars such as Sanjay Dutt, Om Puri, Suneil Shetty and Saif Ali Khan. However, after her break-up with Salman, she returned to Florida and never returned back to India.
(This article originally appeared in Times Of India)
While the year has several big releases in store, off recently smaller films have been minting more money at the box-office and even sweeping all the awards as well. So we hereby present a list of small but interesting films to look forward in 2013.
1. Saare Jahaan Se Mehnga
From the producers of 'Phas Gaye Re Obama' comes a film on similar lines. It is a satirical take on present times when inflation has gone high in the country and daily necessities have become unaffordable.
2. Mere Dad Ki Maruti
Y-Films, the youth sub-division of Yash Raj Films comes up with 'Mere Dad Ki Maruti'. The film stars newcomers Saqib Saleem and Rhea Chakraborthy along with Ram Kapoor.
3. Sona Spa
Naseeruddin Shah stars in this cinematic adaptation of a popular play Sona Spa. The film is directed by Makrand Deshpande and is about a spa parlor where people can buy sleep at the cost of their dreams.
4. Nautanki Saala
Two actors with great comic timing - Ayushmann Khurana of 'Vicky Donor' fame and Kunal Roy Kapoor of 'Delhi Belly' fame come together in the comic caper 'Nautanki Saala' directed by Rohan Sippy.
5. Commando
Vidyut Jamwal who played the negative lead in John Abraham's 'Force' comes back as the male lead of the action film 'Commando'. The highlight of the film is his stunt sequences.
6. Rise of the Zombie
Luke Kenny of 'Rock On' fame acts and directs India's first zombie flick in the form of 'Rise of the Zombie'. Kirti Kulhari plays the female lead in his offbeat film.
7. The Attacks of 26/11
Ram Gopal Varma makes a film on the real-life story of the attacks by terrorists on Mumbai that happened on November 26, 2008. Starring Nana Patekar in lead, the film will reconstruct the entire happenings of the unfortunate day.
8. 3G
'3G' is a horror film starring Neil Mukesh and Sonal Chauhan. The film is directed by a new director duo and is shot in Fiji Islands. The ghost here comes in the form of a mobile phone's 3G service.
9. Jolly LLB
From the director of 'Phas Gaye Re Obama' comes another comedy 'Jolly LLB' starring Arshad Warsi and Boman Irani in lead roles. It takes a funny look at the legal system.
10. ABCD
Choreographer-turned-director Remo D'Souza directs his second film 'ABCD' with a theme of dancing and starring dancing stalwarts like Prabhu Deva and Ganesh Acharya. This is the first dance film to be shot in 3D.
The B-town birdies have been working overtime to find out if Celina Jaitley is really pregnant, owing to her sudden marriage announcement and alleged ‘talks’ of wanting to start a family.
However, this is not the first time that we have seen an actress getting married suddenly and flaunting a baby bump in a month or two. The trend has been a part of Bollywood since quite a long time and while some actresses admit the fact, some fight it till the very end.
Here are a few actresses who were rumored to be pregnant before they got married.
Sridevi
When Sridevi announced her marriage to Boney Kapoor, she was, reportedly, seven months pregnant. Sridevi’s relationship with Boney Kapoor was already under the scanner due to the fact that Boney was already married. Sridevi was, perhaps, the only actress who publicly accepted the fact that she was pregnant before her marriage.
Sarika
Sarika was also involved with a married man- Kamal Hassan, and got pregnant with his child. Hassan was then married to Vani Ganapathy who took strong exception to their illicit affair. Irrespective of the state of their relationship, Sarika went ahead and gave birth to the lovechild, Shruthi Hassan. The two got married later on only to separate equally soon.
Amrita Arora
Following Amrita Arora’s hasty marriage announcement to beau Shakeel Ladak, tongues started wagging about what really prompted Amu to take the wedding vows in such a hurry. Amrita’s immediate pregnancy pretty much confirmed the reason of her sudden wedding.
Mahima Chaudhary
No one had a clue about when Mahima Chaudhary got married. People were still reeling from the sudden news of her wedding when she announced her pregnancy. Everything happened a little too soon for people to assume she had fallen pregnant after marriage.
Konkona Sen
Konkona Sen married co-actor Ranvir Shorey in a quiet wedding in September 2010. She gave birth to a baby boy in March 2011 leaving us with no doubt about the fact that she was very much pregnant when she exchanged vows with Shorey. Though the couple never admitted the fact, it was very much clear that the marriage happened because of Konkona’s pregnancy. (MensXP.com)
Besides the trailers and the first looks of the movies to help you decide whether it is worth a watch, there is also the film poster. Before there was YouTube or online news sites, people used to judge the movie by the poster. And in Bollywood especially, the poster has gone through a transformation - from hand-painted to digital. Let's take a look at the 10 most innovative movie posters.
1. Dev.D
Pop-art, edgy and trippy - this Anurag Kashyap movie just screams its content through its posters of the same kind. We especially love this one in particular, giving a different spin on the whole idea of 'two bodies, one soul'. Funky stuff, this.
2. Rowdy Rathore
'Rowdy Rathore' brought 'hand-painted' back. To be honest, it was 'Rockstar' the previous year which had hand-sketched posters - but it just does not pack the punch 'Rowdy Rathore' does. An eye-popping vision in red and yellow, the poster brought back the 70s feel at a time when digital posters ruled.
3. Teen Patti
A remake of Hollywood heist drama '21', 'Teen Patti' was a ho-hum affair - made slightly interesting by Ben Kingsley's inclusion in the movie. However, this one card-style poster with Amitabh Bachchan looking menacing is probably one of his most badass ones ever.
4. Bobby
Sometimes you should not judge a movie by its poster. But you can still think it's funky. The story of 'Bobby' was not anything like what the poster suggested - LSD trips and carefree hippies. If anything, it stood for metaphorical 'modernity'. But we just love how the groovy 70s was encapsulated in one movie poster.
5. Mother India
This HAS to be on this list. This 1957 was one of the first woman-oriented movies in Bollywood, and this image spoke a lot of words, if not a thousand. Carrying the yoke of poverty, of womanhood, of patriarchal BS - no wonder this poster is now found everywhere as pop art.
6. Kahaani
Talking about women-centric movies, the poster of 'Kahaani' is another one we love. On a crowded background of Kolkata during Durga Puja, Vidya Balan is projected as a Devi herself with the idol of a goddess right behind her, giving an illusion of her wearing the Devi's headgear and having an extra pair of arms wielding weapons. Wow!
7. Go Goa Gone
For one of the first zombie movies of Bollywood, 'Go Goa Gone' manages to merge adventure, gore and nudity in a very apt manner. This poster of the zombie slayers (?) looking through a huge bullet hole of what was probably a zombified hot chick catches our attention like nothing else.
8. Bombay Talkies
For a movie that celebrates 100 years of Indian cinema, the poster captures it as aptly as it could have. 'Bombay Talkies'. Nothing more needs to be said, does it?
9. 3 Idiots
A huge board of mathematical formulae - and a boy pressing his head against it, in dejection. What speaks of a forced, unwanted higher education more than this does? Very apt.
10. Phata Poster Nikla Hero
This latest movie poster is on this list for the sole purpose that it captures the importance of Bollywood posters in relation to their movies very aptly. The movie's title is a common saying among cinephiles. Just look at Shahid Kapoor 'nikaling' from the poster that 'phatoed'.
They say don't judge a book by its cover. But just like book covers are an art in themselves, Bollywood's history of film posters is as interesting to the avid moviegoers.
Saif Ali Khan's son Ibrahim to make Giles Shield debut
With an illustrious cricketing background running in the family, it isn't surprising that Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan's 12-year-old son Ibrahim chose to play the sport.
With Iftikhar Ali Khan and Mansur Ali Khan Tiger' Pataudi as his great grandfather and grandfather respectively, Ibrahim is carrying forward the legacy as he gets ready to take baby steps on the cricket field.
Iftikhar and Tiger captained the Indian cricket. Ibrahim, the son of Saif and his first wife Amrita Singh, will make his Mumbai Schools Sports Association (MSSA) debut by playing for Dhirubhai Ambani International School (BKC) in the Giles Shield inter-school cricket tournament for boys U-14 in November this year.
Confirming the news, a Dhirubhai Ambani school official said, "Yes, Ibrahim will play in the MSSA's cricket tournament this year." The Class VII student is looking forward to play for the school.
He has been practising with the team from the time school reopened. "Though he is a star's son, he is a normal cricketer for us. I hope he performs in the tournament," the official added.
Post time 23-9-2013 11:04 PM
