From village meadows to city streets

By Karim Waheed

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

"Contrary to what many assume, the tradition of 'Pahela Baishakh' (first day of the Bengali new year) celebration in urban areas, in particular Dhaka, wasn't a sudden implant in the 1960s," says renowned cultural personality and artist Mustafa Monwar.

"The magnitude of the celebration may have changed, new trends have developed over the decades but 'Pahela Baishakh' has been and will remain one of the most authentic secular Bengali festivals," he adds.

"I remember Baishakhi celebrations in Hooghly (West Bengal) in 1945. Along with other kids, I'd get 'mishti' (sweets). Traders would open 'hal khata' (ledgers). People from remote villages would come to the nearest small towns where 'Baishakhi Mela' (fairs) were held. It encouraged local craftsmen and vendors. People tried to get new clothes for the occasion, but nothing garish though. The impact of 'Swadeshi' (anti-Raj movement) was still profound in everyday life. Mostly 'Khadi' clothes were worn," Monwar reminisces. 

"I suppose that'd be the major difference in how 'Pahela Baishakh' used to be celebrated in olden days with the way it's commemorated now -- grandeur or the tendency to show off," the veteran artist continues. "In rural Bengal, the first day of the year was marked with celebrating the harvest. It was a way of conveying gratitude for nature's bounties. The celebration was modest, mostly confined to the peripheries of the homes; in the meadows 'mela' would be on. Nothing like the pomp and public display of merriment that we see today on city streets.

"The fads in the cities include having 'panta-bhat' (a once-a-year phenomenon for most), colour coordinated (often designer) outfits etc -- 'traditions' that have more to do with showing off.

"I don't see anything wrong with this urban trend of showing off though. The razzle-dazzle is appropriate in the cities to bring everyone together, as the social and personal distances among us continue to grow."

Monwar was one of the initiators of 'Baishakhi Shobhajatra' in Dhaka. "The 'Baishakhi Celebration' we see in Dhaka has evolved over the last few decades. In the '60s (during the Pakistan era), we felt the need to celebrate our Bengali identity. Chhayanat's 'Baishakhi' musical programme at Ramna should be considered a catalyst for that movement. Everything evolved around that. Carnivals or cavalcades are very popular throughout the world. The 'shobhajatra' on 'Pahela Baishakh' certainly added to the festivity. What I also find endearing is the growing popularity of 'Lakkhi-shora,' 'tyapa-putul' and other local art objects. 

"On the whole, I'm content with the current urban version of 'Pahela Baishakh,' as it has retained its secular Bengali essence. What's disconcerting though is a waning in the tradition in our rural areas. Perhaps it's financial strains or misguided religious inhibitions. But it's necessary that we look into this issue right away," Monwar says.

Source: http://www.thedailystar.net

Sonakshi Sinha to debut opposite Salman Khan in Arbaaz Khan's production

By Bollywood Hungama News Network

April 19, 2009

Sonakshi Sinha, daughter of yesteryear's actor Shatrughan Sinha, is all set to make her entry into showbiz. The young actress must indeed be feeling on top of the world as she gets to share screen space with none other than Salman Khan in her very first film.

The film in question is yet untitled directed by Abhinav Kashyap (brother of Anurag Kashyap) and produced by Arbaaz Khan under his newly launched banner Arbaaz Khan Productions. The film is essentially a human relationship drama and is expected to go on floors in September.

In the past as well, many actress have debuted opposite Salman Khan like Sneha Ullal (Lucky-No Time For Love) and Sonam Kapoor (Saawariya). One will have to wait and watch if Sallu's magic rubs off on Sonakshi too.

Source: http://www.bollywood.com

Nandana Sen denied an international project as it required her to go topless

By Subhash K. Jha Bollywood Hungama News Network

April 14, 2009

After the controversial nude scenes in Ketan Mehta's Rang Rasiya, Nandana Sen got another highly-prestigious offer that required her to go topless.Italian filmmaker Italo Spinelli offered Nandana the lead of a tribal woman who's surreptitiously shot nude by a photographer.

The film is based on Bengali litterateur Mahashweta Devi's provocative and controversial story Choli Ke Peeche. The role offered to Nandana was pivotal tempting and challenging .Nandana was sorely tempted. But doing a full-on topless sequence which is a crucial part of the narrative, so soon after Rang Rasiya, was just not on Nandana's agenda.

She has reluctantly and after much deliberation said No, throwing the whole project to be started later this year, into back gear.

Nandana explains, "It's a good project directed by Italo Spinelli, produced by RAI, shot by Blasco Giurardo, the cinematographer of Cinema Paradiso. It's a powerful story and although I support it fully, I feel the subject matter is such that the tribal girl's nudity cannot avoid becoming unintentionally voyeuristic and eroticised even though that is definitely not the objective. If you remember, previously too I passed on various other international projects because of a similar concern."

Nandana made an exception with Ketan Mehta's film. "Rang Rasiya focuses on the increasing critical topic of censorship of art. Remember what happened in Jehangir art gallery last month? Ketan's film deals entirely with the freedom to paint the human figure in its natural beauty. The emotional drama as well as the political message of the film revolve around one critical and excessively talked- about scene of Sugandha, the muse, having the courage to break the rules of the time to pose for Ravi Varma (Randeep Hooda) and create a masterpiece of art together."

But having said this, Nandana says no to nudity, no matter how aesthetic. Could the fact that she intends to tie the knot with steady boyfriend Madhu Mantena have something to do with her decision to forego such a plum assignment?

Source: http://www.bollywood.com

Tendulkar has date with 'himself' - courtesy Madame Tussauds

IANS

Mumbai, April 13

It was another record but of a different kind for master blaster Sachin Tendulkar. Madame Tussauds flew the cricketer's wax figure some 7,000 km to meet the legend in person here Monday and made him the first Indian sportsman to be featured by the London-headquartered studio.And Tendulkar was truly delighted, coming face to face with the likeness of his wax figure at the downtown Taj Lands End Hotel.

"I am very impressed with the figure and delighted to be honoured by Madame Tussauds," said the renowned cricketer, who holds several records to his name, including the batsman with the highest number of Test centuries.

"It is the first time we have ever launched a figure overseas. But we really wanted Sachin to see his likeness before it 'meets' the public," said Liz Edwards of Madame Tussauds, London.

"The figure will now be returning to London to join the ranks of sporting greats past and present in our sports zone. There will also be a cricketing challenge around the figure where guests can test their skills against the master-blaster'," she said.

"We know it will be a huge hit with fans."

Tendulkar had met the sculptors of Madame Tussauds here earlier in the year to be measured and photographed for the creation of his figure. He also donated the cricket whites that his striking wax double is wearing.The cricketer follows in the footsteps of Bollywood giants Amitabh Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan, who have been honoured by Madame Tussauds.According to the London-based firm, Tendulkar's figure was created at their studios in west London over a three-month period, starting with a a perfect clay sculpture from which the moulds are made for an amazingly life-like wax figure.Then it was over to a team of skilled hair and colour artists to insert the hair by hand and to build life-like skin tones using layer upon layer of oil paint - every freckle, mole, dimple and wrinkle are accurately reproduced, the firm said.

"London and India share a great passion for cricket and we are delighted that Madame Tussauds has unveiled a figure of Sachin Tendulkar," said Sally Chatterjee, the interim chief executive of Visit London, the agency that promotes tourism to the British capital.

"With the International Cricket Council's World Twenty20 coming to London this June more cricket fans will have the opportunity to come face to face with one of their sporting heroes."

Madame Tussauds, which has its attractions in London, New York, Las Vegas, Washington, Amsterdam, Berlin, Hong Kong and Shanghai, has been making wax figures for over 150 years.

Source: http://www.bollywood.com

Mel Gibson’s wife files for divorce

ANI
Posted: Apr 14, 2009

Mel Gibson’s wife has filed a divorce petition weeks after the actor was spotted frolicking with a brunette on a beach. 

Robyn Gibson, 52, has filed papers to end their 28 years of marriage citing “irreconcilable differences”. 

Sources blame the split on Mel’s relationship with a Russian musician called Oksana. The pair had reportedly become close on the set of his latest film The Edge of Darkness, and were snapped coming out of his trailer together, however, the Oscar winner denies any affair. The Lethal Weapon star is worth up to 640 million pounds and Robyn will be entitled to half the actor’s earnings during their 28-year marriage, reports the ‘Sun’. Mel also owns a 28-million pound church in Malibu and a 10-million pound island in Fiji. While Robyn has listed their separation date as “to be confirmed”, Mel has given an exact separation date of August 26, 2006 — less than a month after his infamous DUI arrest. 

The couple has seven kids. 

In her papers, Robyn has asked for a joint custody of Tom, their younger child as well as spousal support and legal fees. Mel and Robyn released a statement yesterday, saying: “Throughout our marriage and separation we have always strived to maintain the privacy and integrity of our family and will continue to do so.”

Source: http://www.screenindia.com

From Shah Rukh to King Khan

BollywoodHungamaNewsNetwork
Posted: Apr 14, 2009

This one is a voluminous book. A real voluminous one at that. If Shah Rukh Khan has been known for his non-stop talk then writer Mushtaq Sheikh too doesn't appear far behind when it comes to translating his thoughts into words. He writes, and writes and then further writes about Shah Rukh, something that makes one feel that more than a friend and a colleague, Mushtaq looks at Shah Rukh as a hero. Someone who is not just his hero but also an entire country's - correction, entire world's hero! It is this very 'fan factor' that makes 'Shah Rukh Can' a read that seems to be coming straight from an admirer's heart.

KEEP READING>>>>>

Source: http://www.screenindia.com

Drew Barrymore finds designer in her dog

Agencies
Posted: Apr 14, 2009

While other Hollywood celebrities splurge huge amounts for perfect pair of denims, actress Drew Barrymore saves money by letting her dog customise her jeans. The 34-old-year-old actress encourages her Labrador-Chow mix pet 'Flossie' to rip up her new pairs of denim trousers to give them a fashionably distressed appearance, ‘Femalefirst’ online reported 

"She lets Flossie chew on them and rip them up a bit and then she throws them in the washing machine. She thinks the look perfect! Not too calculated," a source said. 

The 'Charlie's Angels' star regularly speaks about her beloved pet dog and the special bond they share. "Flossie is like my little daughter. I can't wait to have kids," Drew said. 

Barrymore, who is said to have rekindled her romance with actor Justin Long, was saved by Flossie when a fire broke out in the USD 3 million mansion she shared with then-husband Tom Green in 2001. 

The actress claimed that she was woken in the wee hours when Flossie barked after smelling smoke and "literally banged on the bedroom door" to alert the couple of the fire.

Source: http://www.screenindia.com

DiCaprio to Efron: Don't do heroin

ANI
Posted: Apr 14, 2009

Actor Leonardo DiCaprio has warned Zac Efron against the use of drugs if he wants a long lasting career in Hollywood. The ‘Titanic’ star met Efron at a Lakers game and advised him to avoid heroine. In an interview to ‘GQ’ magazine, the ‘High School Musical’ star revealed the advice. 

"He said, ''There's one way that you can really f--- this all up. Just do heroin.’ If you steer clear of that – the other obstacles you'll be able to navigate.'' And that makes sense, dude," ‘People’ magazine quoted Efron as saying. 

Although the 21-year-old heartthrob doesn't do heroin but says he does enjoy a few drinks with friends –only privately and "behind closed doors." 

"I wasn't programmed by Disney," he said of his decision to keep his private life out of the public eye. 

"It's common sense. If you're gonna be drunk with your friends, don't get wasted at the Chateau Marmont,” he added.

Source: http://www.screenindia.com

Stars on New Year

By Afruna Rahman Urmika

Dhaka, Tuesday, April 14, 2009

As we look forward to Pahela Baishakh, it is an opportune moment to check out what our celebrities have lined up to celebrate this joyous day: 

Fahmida Nabi
Fahmida has a busy schedule on Pahela Baishakh. To start with, she has to attend several Baishakhi programmes. Her new album "Shopnogolpo" too is set to be released that day. Fahmida will be featured on "Ekushey Shondhya" on ETV on April 14. In a departure from the usual red and white attire, she plans to don red and green. Fahmida is not too fond of 'panta,' but she goes for 'taki machh bhorta,' onion with red chili 'bhorta' and hilsha with coconut 'bhorta.' She advises people to stock lemon juice to beat the heat on this festive occasion.

Sharmin Lucky
Sharmin goes for 'jeera-pani' and green mango juice. On Pahela Baishakh she plans to make green mango juice and is confident that her guests will enjoy it. She plans to cook a spread of hilsha, prawn, 'bhorta' with plain rice and 'doi' (curd) as dessert. Sharmin will lay out clay plates with wooden spoons. She will don a deep red and white dress from Reeva's in the morning. She is also planning to wear a saree designed by Shahrukh in the day and an off-white saree with a red border in the latter part of the day. Her suggestion to beat the escalated demand for flowers on the festive occasion is that women should buy 'beli' flowers two days in advance and store them in the fridge. 

Mili
“Pori” of “Monpura” is not really ecstatic about the festival. Instead she plans a quiet day with her family at their new home in Pallabi. With her scheme of things is lending a helping hand to her mother when she is cooking. She looks forward to a delectable meal of 'hilsha, 'shutki' and 'panta.’

Nirob
Nirob has no special plans for the day. He will be busy shooting for a film at FDC.

Mim 
With upcoming HSC exams, Mim could not plan for Pahela Baishakh. She says that she used to get together and have fun with her friends, while her mother cooked 'panta' with hilsha.

Bindu
Bindu has shooting in the morning on Pahela Baishakh. She will leave for USA a day after Pahela Baishakh to attend a show. So Pahela Baishakh will be a low-key affair for her this year.

Asif Azim
Model Asif Azim will celebrate the first day of Baishakh with friends -- complete with music and great food. He will don a white punjabi with motifs representing Baishakh and our culture. The plan is to go to Dubai for a show on April 17.

Prova
Prova will avoid the jam-packed Charukala and Ramna. She looks forward to the Baishakhi celebration at Shanto-Mariam University of Creative Technology (Prova studies there). She has designed her own saree as well as clothes for her cousins. But she plans to design on a larger scale once she has more breathing space. She will also get to see a TV play, directed by Chayanika, featuring her, which will be aired on ETV on the day. 

The writer is a freelance contributor

Source: http://www.thedailystar.net

Aamir offered to get toilets cleaned for industry's sake

BollywoodHungamaNewsNetwork

Posted: Apr 14, 2009

In demonstration of solidarity for the producers who are united in their battle with the multiplexes, Aamir Khan has now gone a step ahead. He has even offered to clean toilets in single screen theaters and make them hygienic enough for audiences to come in. This drastic step comes in the light of current situation in the industry where producers may well abandon multiplexes and release their films only in single screen properties if the stand off with multiplexes persists. 

"I was literally shocked when I heard that. For someone like Aamir Khan to make a statement like this is a big enough message for all of us out here", says Vashu Bhagnani with whom Aamir shared this idea of his. 

Aamir made this statement in light of Vashu's production Kal Kissne Dekha which has been postponed due to the ongoing tussle with the multiplexes. A launch pad of Jackky Bhagnani and Vaishali Desai, this was the only film that was all set to be released and it's promotion too had kick started before the strike was announced. 

"I had met Aamir Khan 10-12 years back and wasn't sure if he would really recognize me. I knew he would know me by my name but was doubtful if he would associate it with a face. This is why he coming to me and saying that he was behind my film is a huge thing for me", says Vashu who is sticking along with producers' decision of not releasing his film till there is clarity on the 50:50 revenue sharing issue. 

"Both Aamir Khan as well as Shah Rukh Khan have been pillars of support for my film", says an emotionally charged Vashu, "While Aamir said that for industry's sake, he would even be willing to clean toilets so that audiences could feel better about watching a film in the single screens, Shah Rukh said that he will publicly ask audience to show support for my film." 

Another producer who was with Shah Rukh, Aamir and Vashu when this conversation was in progress too nodded in agreement. "Aamir as well as Shah Rukh are very emotionally charged about this entire situation. They understand that so many of us out here have put crores on the backburner for the sake of the industry." 

"In reciprocation, they too are going all out in the middle of their hectic schedules and showing such great solidarity. Both of them are sure that if multiplexes do not relent, they will march towards single screen theaters and invite public to watch films there. No one is expected to hold on for long and if need arises, films would soon start releasing only in single screens," he concludes.

Source: http://www.screenindia.com

Hollywood celebrities feel the recession heat

Agencies
Posted: Apr 14, 2009 

While the recession has left the common man across the world with a pinched pocket, Hollywood celebrities, who are known for their extravagant lifestyle, are also adopting to cost cutting measures. 

Celebrities like actor Nicolas Cage, Leonardo DiCaprio, Sharon Stone and many others have lost money due to the recession. Actor Nicolas Cage has sold his Bavarian castle Scholoss Neidstein to his lawyer for 100,000 pounds. Cage had bought the 28-room castle in 2006 for 1.6 million and had spent millions on renovation, the ‘Daily Mail’ reported. 

"Due to the difficult economic situation, unfortunately, I was no longer able to keep it," he said. The price of his mansion in Bel Air, which is on the market for a while, has also been reduced. The price which started at 23 million is now available for a moderate 12 million pounds. 

Similarly, 'Basic Instinct' star Sharon Stone put her five-bedroom, Mediterranean-style property in Beverly Hills on the market for USD 7.5 million. But due to the worsening market conditions, the star has been unable to sell despite reducing it to USD 6.8 million. It has now been rented out for 24,000 pounds a month. 

The 'Titanic' star Leonardo DiCaprio is also facing a similar fate with his Malibu home, which he bought for 4.3 million pounds two years ago. The actor had put it back on the market for 6 million but had to reduce the price to 5.3 million pounds. But no one has shown any interest in buying it.

Source: http://news.google.com

Aamir - SRK solidarity: This was no tamasha!

BollywoodHungamaNewsNetwork
Posted: Apr 14, 2009

I am shocked at the kind of stories a section of the film media cooks up to attract eyeballs, at times. Everyone knows that Aamir and Shah Rukh lent their complete and absolute support to the producers/distributors on the multiplex issue. But a section of the media has been discussing: [i] Who delivered a 'better speech', [ii] Who 'looked better', while a few others decided to call it a ‘publicity stunt' [!!!]. It's disgusting! 

Aamir and SRK have never stooped so low ever, even when they needed hits to cement their status as superstars. One can vouch for Aamir, SRK, even Hrithik, Saif and Shahid; they'd never pull a stunt to stay in limelight or plug their new release. You can accuse a few top actors of doing so, not them. Also, why are we forgetting that both Aamir and SRK are producers as well and this solidarity was a step in the right direction? 

A section of the media loves to hallucinate at times. Had Aamir and SRK stayed away from this issue, the same media would've flogged them for not siding with their brethren. Now that they've rightfully stood by the producers/distributors, it's being described as a 'publicity stunt'. 

A few people also feel that the actors haven't buried their differences, despite the show of solidarity last week. Chalo, maan lo, even if they do have differences over certain issues, when did they ever proclaim that they would swear by each other henceforth? The fact is, they came together for a cause and we should genuinely appreciate the effort. 

It's about time the media gets its act right!

Source: http://www.screenindia.com

Leo DiCaprio's career advice to Zac Efron: Don't do heroin

By latimes blogs

April 14, 2009

Leonardo DiCaprio gave Zac Efron some very good career advice. 

"He said, 'There's one way that you can really f--- this all up. Just do heroin,' " Efron, 21, tells GQ in the May issue on newsstands April 21, recalling his conversation with the actor at a Lakers basketball game.'If you steer clear of that – the other obstacles you'll be able to navigate.The "17 Again" star says doesn't do drugs but admits he does drink "behind closed doors."
"I wasn't programmed by Disney," he tells GQ. "It's common sense. If you're gonna be drunk with your friends, don't get wasted at the Chateau Marmont and hook up with some famous chick. 

He adds: "It's not rocket science."

Maybe Zac should explain all this to Lindsay Lohan. She just can't seem to figure it out.

Source: http://latimesblogs.latimes.com

Michael Jackson Auction

By Shaan Kokin/Julien's Auctions (AP)

April 14, 2009

The "King of Pop" is set to auction off more than 2,000 of his personal items April 22 - 25 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles. This undated photo released by Julien's Auctions shows the gates to Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch in Santa Maria, Calif. The gates feature parcel gilt and black iron, crested with a red and gilded crown and a gilded "Michael Jackson," banner with British Coat of Arms in the center. Julien's Auction estimate: $20,000 - $30,000.

Source: http://abcnews.go.com

Television Sole Bright Spot in Area Filming

By Mark R. Madler

Posted date: 4/14/2009

Television made up more than half of the on-location filming in the City and County of Los Angeles in the first quarter, according to recent figures released by FilmLA.

Feature film production, however, took a steep dive dropping by more than 50 percent compared to the first quarter of 2008.

“Most big budget feature films are not shot locally, and even independent filmmakers are shooting fewer days in our area,” said FilmLA President Paul Adley.

FilmLA is a not for profit agency that coordinates on-location film, television and commercial production in the city and county of Los Angeles, the cities of Palmdale and Lancaster, and certain non-municipal clients including the Burbank school district. The agency’s production numbers do not include filming on studio soundstages.Overall on-location for January through March stayed flat when compared to a year ago, with 11,431 permits issued. 

The agency issued 6,274 permits for television production, an increase of 76 percent from the 3,557 permits issued in the same period in 2008. Television production had been down in early 2008 due to the Hollywood writer strike.Reality programming continues to lead the television sub-categories, with 3,407 permits issued in the first quarter.FilmLA issued only 903 on-location permits for feature film production. In the first quarter of 2008, more than 2,000 permits had been issued.

Commercial filming also declined, an indicator that advertising is down due to the poor economy. FilmLA issued 1,266 on-location permits, a drop of 34 percent from the 1,925 issued in the first quarter of 2008.

Source: http://www.sfvbj.com