What does music mean to our Bollywood singers, composers?

By IANS

New Delhi -- They give Bollywood music buffs their regular doses of sounds, melodies and beats that take not only the country but the world by storm. Recent example being the double Oscar for Indian music director A.R. Rahman.

Music has taken them places, music is what they eat, sleep and live with. So on the occasion of World Music Day, June 21, many artists belonging to the Hindi filmdom came out and revealed what exactly music means to them.

IANS spoke to a few of them to know their views.

Alka Yagnik: Music is like the breath I take every moment, to be able to live!

Shaan: For me music is that wonder that makes the moment far more alive. And personally for me, it's the best way to express my emotions.

Sukhwinder: Music for me is my life, my existence and it gives me energy.

Vishal Dadlani: Music is the ocean I live in. I spend all day, everyday, with music and I'm grateful for this blessing I have received!

Kailash Kher: Music to me is everything... I can see god when I do live performances or do a recording with people around me.

Sunidhi Chauhan: Music is oxygen, life, the universe for me.

Anushka Manchanda: I don't know where I would be without music. Music gives you hope, it gives you faith. It has the power to make people come out of tough times and feel better. Music is full power. That's what it is.

Toshi Sabri: Music is like breath for me.

Anand Raaj Anand: Music is a universal language... It is the language of the soul.

Sajid Ali: Music to me is a tool with which I express myself, my being, and get connected to all other people, my family included. Music has given me everything that I ever needed.

Wajid Ali: My way of living is encompassed by music. I'm thinking of music when I drive, when I play, when I gym, when I bathe even. In our family music runs in our blood. Sometimes I find this close association with music even scary. I thank god for having blessed us with this divine ability, because I cannot even think of what else I would have done with my life other than music. The satisfaction is beyond something I can explain or imagine. Just like people cannot survive without water, just like people cannot survive without air, I cannot survive even for a second without Music.

Shibani Kashyap: Music is my life, my passion and whatever music I make and compose is an extension of my personality. Music feeds my soul. I've composed and written a song called "Don't stop the music, just let it flow...", I'll be performing this in Mumbai on June 21.

Palash Sen: I know that I'll never die... Gonna live my rock and roll everyday. Got my reasons to stay alive... My music is my medicine everyday.

Source: Bollywood.com

Prophet comment controversy: SRK says 'writing error'

By Agencies

The Bandra police has filed a case against Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan for allegedly making comments about Prophet Mohammad but the actor said it is a writing error and not a thought or view that he believes in.

"We have registered an FIR against Shah Rukh Khan after we received an application from an advocate who alleged that the actor made some statements hurting the sentiments of Muslims," said senior police inspector of Bandra police station, Prakash George.

The complaint was registered against Shah Rukh and the publisher of the magazine in which the purported remarks were published.

Complainant Khalid Babu Querishi alleged that in the July issue of the ‘Time and Style’ magazine, Shah Rukh had used objectionable language against the Prophet which is unacceptable," George said.

The case was registered under section 295-a (deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious sentiments) and 34 (acts done by several persons with common interest) of IPC.

In a message, the actor who is currently abroad shooting for Karan Johar's "My Name is Khan", said that there is no more important figure in history than Prophet Mohammad. "Being a Muslim and standing up for the tenets of Islam is my most important agenda," he said.

The actor's response came a day after a First Information Report (FIR) was registered against him.

Referring to protests on the issue, Shah Rukh said, "If they have seen my interviews about Islam and the Prophet, they should know that it is a writing error and not a thought or view I believe in."

He said, "for all practical purposes... Prophet Mohammad is the most important positive figure in Islam". Khan's statement will be recorded on his return from the US.

SRK effigy beaten with shoes

A large number of protesters put a garland of shoes round an effigy of film star, Shah Rukh Khan here to protest against his alleged "derogatory" remarks against Prophet Mohammed.

The protestors, gathered at Jehangirabad square after Friday prayers, beat up Shah Rukh's effigy with footwear to vent their anger with film star.

Later, they dispersed peacefully at the end of the protest which lasted about 30 minutes.

Shah Rukh in an interview to a magazine compared Prophet Mohammed with Adolf Hitler and Winston Churchill.

Source: Screen India.

Bappida now in commercials, acting and even film direction

By Agencies

After composing music for many evergreen numbers and lending his voice to numerous soulful songs, Bappi Lahiri is all geared up to change tracks and present himself as an actor and a film director.

This year Lahiri would be seen acting in at least two Hindi films, one of them a big-budget. He also has plans to direct a film next year.

"I have always been experimenting in Bollywood. I started off the disco culture in the country. Many people are now bringing international artistes like Kylie Minogue to India, but I brought Samantha Fox years ago.

So why is the man popularly known as 'Bappida' exploring new grounds after tasting success as a musician? "Previously, I had also produced a Bengali film, 'Lal Dorja', which won a Golden Lotus Award. Since I have stayed in the industry since the seventies, I want to experiment further," he says.

In the upcoming romantic comedy 'Main aur Mrs Khanna', he plays an NRI tycoon, who happens to be a music lover.

"You have already seen a glimpse of my acting in a cold drink advertisement, which is a huge hit. Now you will soon see me in a full-fledged role in 'Main aur Mrs Khanna', where I am cast alongside Salman Khan and Kareena Kapoor," Lahiri said in an interview.

On the other hand, in 'Its Rocking Dard-e-Disco', which stars Bengali actress Rituparna Sengupta, Sneha Ullal and Aryaman, he is playing a 'Disco King'.

"I will make you laugh like anything in that film. My role is completely comic. I have done it in the style of Kishore 'mama'," he says.

On his plans to don the director’s hat, Bappida reveals, "Yes, I want to be a film director. I am planning to start shooting for the film in 2010. But I am not going to make a commercial film, it will be an art film. We are, however, still working on the storyline."

The man with the 'Golden Bling' says his love affair with gold ornaments has helped him to carve out a niche of his own when it comes to style.

"You see, gold is in my image. I am known as the golden man. If I don't wear these golden chains and other ornaments, people will ask me 'Bappida, where is your gold'. And if others wear gold, they say 'Oh! He is following Bappida".

The man who is known to have introduced the use of disco music in Indian cinema with an Indian flavour is best known for his songs like 'Koi Yahan Nache Nache', 'Jimmy Jimmy', 'Zubi Zubi', 'Jee Le Le', 'Bambai Se Aaya mera Dost', 'Raat Baaki', 'Tamma Tamma Loge' and 'Chalte Chalte'.

He recently lent his voice in Akshay Kumar-starrer 'Chandni Chowk to China' and had also worked in Mani Ratnam’s blockbuster 'Guru'.

However, when it comes to non-musical assignments, he says he is very choosy. "I am very selective. If I get some good projects, only then will I do it."

The 56-year-old veteran music composer-singer recently came out with an international album, 'My Love', a Rhythm 'n' Blues album by an Indian, featuring American rapper Jiddah.

He has finished working on another international project 'Slumstars' - which will feature six children from the slums of Mumbai’s Dharavi. The album is expected to release after August.

"Those slum children have sung very well in the album.

I am happy that I have brought out their talent. I want the whole world to know about them, their lives and also their pain," the Kolkata-born musician says.

His tour with the world-famous musical group 'Jackson 5' is also on track. "They will come to India next year. They will perform here and will also sing a song for me," he said

Source: Screen India.

Shiney hasn't confessed, he's being framed: wife

By Agencies

Bollywood actor Shiney Ahuja, arrested on the charge of raping his domestic help, appeared remorseful, police claimed on Wednesday but his wife rubbished reports that he has "confessed", saying he was being framed.

Ahuja, 35, who will be produced in court on Thursday after being in police custody for three days, was "completely shattered and is repenting for what he had done," Assistant Police Commissioner Dilip Suryavanshi told reporters.

Refuting that Ahuja has made any confession, his wife, Anupam said he is "completely innocent". "This is a frame-up," she said but did not want to speculate on being asked who could be interested in targeting her husband.

Ahuja's lawyer, Srikant Shivade, said if the actor has given any statement to police on his alleged role in the crime, it would not have evidential value in the court. "We will wait until the charge sheet is filed," he said.

Ahuja was arrested on Monday on the charge of raping his 18-year old domestic help when she was alone at their residence in suburban Oshiwara the previous day.

Police claimed that during interrogation Ahuja said it never occurred to him that the crime he was committing was so "serious".

"He thought the victim would keep quiet and not complain to anyone," a police officer said adding "though the actor was uncomfortable during interrogation, yet he answered many of our questions."

Anupam held a press conference accompanied by her neighbours and friends to give her version as television channels started airing reports of what Ahuja purportedly said during interrogation.

"I am proud to be Mrs Shiney Ahuja. He is my man. I know him for 15 years...he doesn't drink," she said. Asked about medical reports which police claimed showed that the maid was sexually assaulted, Anupam said she had heard different versions of these reports and would rather wait for the documents to be produced before court.

"He is a celebrity. May be he is a soft target," she said on being asked why she felt Ahuja was being targeted.

Anupam said she has not spoken to her husband ever since his arrest. "I have only seen him in court. We have looked at each other. He knows and I know that he is innocent".

Ruchika Wadhwa, who is Ahuja's neighbour, said he was a loving father who was often seen in the evenings taking his two-year old daughter on a pram in the housing complex.

Ahuja, who is lodged in the Andheri police station lock-up, was questioned for the third consecutive day. Police is contemplating a DNA test on him to gather corroborative evidence.

A team of Mumbai police has gone to Roha in nearby Raigad district, the native place of the victim, to verify from her school whether she was a minor.

Source: Screen India.

RGV vows to make movie of aspiring filmmaker who shocks him

By Agencies

In a bid to promote his yet-to-be-released thriller "Agyaat", filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma has come up with a contest whose winner stands a chance to make a movie with him.

The maverick director has promised to produce a movie of an aspiring filmmaker "who can shock him."

Both he and producers, UTV, have invited entries for "Agyaat Short Film Contest."

Anyone who has a chilling and scary story to tell in visual can participate in the contest by sending an entry.

Participant can shoot a short film and upload the link on Agyaat's website. The winner will get a chance to direct a film that will be produced by UTV and Varma.

Varma, who is back with another chilling experience after "Phoonk", takes the audience into an unknown zone with "Agyaat".

He says that "Agyaat" is about the unknown or forces that cannot be defined. "Neither it is about supernatural powers or creatures or evil forces, it is about something beyond human understanding. And most of all it is very scary," he said.

"There are so many people who have potential to become a good director but they never get access to the industry. This is our endeavor to find potential filmmaker. It’s easy to shoot a film now with just a mobile phone, handy cam and a laptop so we are inviting people to showcase their talent," Varma said.

"The clip should shock, thrill or scare us. Once we are convinced with the capability of the person, we would give him or her a chance to direct the film and take their subject forward," Varma said.

Shikha Kapoor of UTV Marketing further adds, our film is meant for connoisseurs of horror genres who enjoy all kinds of horror and super natural films. This would be an additional bonus for them to be able to direct a film.

"Agyaat" has an ensemble cast of Priyanka Kothari, Nitin, Gautam Rode, Ravi Kale, Howard Rosemeyer, Kali Prasad, Rasika Duggal, and Joy Fernandis. The movie will be released on July 24.

Source: Screenindia.

Antara Mali ties knot with editor of GQ magazine

If at all, there was as prize for the most secretly guarded wedding, then this one will be written boldly in golden words! We are indeed talking about the hush-hush wedding of actress Antara Mali and Che Kurien, the editor of GQ magazine, which took place on Friday evening.

One has to give it to this couple for closely guarding the wedding so much so that there was not even an ounce of news whiff of romance between the couple. For starters, Antara's husband Che has credit of working in organisations like Reuters, Time Out Mumbai and The Indian Express, prior to him joining GQ.

If the reports are to be believed, then, the newly-weds are already on the way to their honeymoon to an undisclosed destination. We wish the lovely couple a lovely and a Mast married life!

Source: BollywoodHungamaNewsNetwork.

Gowarikar's 'Jodhaa Akbar' sweeps IIFA awards

By Agencies

Bollywood director Ashutosh Gowarikar's historical love epic 'Jodhaa Akbar' swept the 10th International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards here, taking home trophies for best picture, best director and best actor.

The movie tracing the rise of the great Mughal emperor Akbar in the 16th century and his romance with Hindu princess Jodhaa took home 10 trophies in total including the gong for the 'Best Film'.

Hrithik Roshan's portrayal of the Muslim monarch won him the 'Best Actor' trophy while Gowarikar won the Best Director award for his epic drama which wove together romance and communal harmony.

The film which had nominations in all the categories faced stiff competition from other superhit contenders like 'Ghajini', 'A Wednesday', 'Dostana', 'Rock On' and 'Race'.

However, Aishwarya failed to bag the Best Actress trophy, which went to Priyanka Chopra for her power-packed performance as a small town girl who makes it big in the world of fashion in Madhur Bhandarkar's 'Fashion'.

Others contenders in this category were Asin, Katrina Kaif and Bipasha Basu.

Source: Screen India.

Thrillers keep director Anjan Dutt busy

Agencies

Making a ghost story has kept him preoccupied for long. And, after three attempts, filmmaker Anjan Dutt has finally zeroed in on a story for his upcoming thriller.

Dutt, is adapting the short story "Loving Doll," from Ipsita Roy Chakraverti's book "Sacred Evil."

"I am currently in the post-production stage of a very very dark Byomkesh Bakshi 1960's period thriller based on incest and riots. After this I'll start work on Ipsita's film," Dutt said.

The Kolkata-based director also an actor and singer and whose repertory include films like "Bong Connection," and "Chalo Let's Go" says he is excited about the new film which will be set in Kolkata and Darjeeling.

"Ipsita saw my film 'Madly Bangalee' and approached me with the story and I said yes, of course after reading the book," says Dutt who had been looking for a ghost story script for long.

Dutt says he wanted to film an adapted Rabindranath Tagore work but was unsure about getting the literary genius' story right and also because he says making a good thriller is always a challenge.

The Bengal-based director says, "You cannot fool around with a Tagore story. He is a genius. I began writing scripts for three stories but gave up. When Ipsita started talking to me I found the story interesting and thought I could take up the challenge."

"Loving Doll," explores the life of a middle-aged couple where the wife is obsessed about losing her beauty and is attached to a doll who she thinks will help her remain beautiful forever.

Funding of the film, says Dutt, is currently under negotiations with "various interested parties keen to fund the film."

"The story has a personal relation. I want to show the evil in a consumeristic society, a false world of ad and glamour where the cosmetic look is in vogue," says Dutt.

Bollywood actress Sarika, who had essayed character of Ipsita in the 2006 flick Sacred Evil is expected to play the lead in the film whose casting is likely to be done soon.

Hollywood biggies essential in 'Kambakht Ishq': Akshay

By Agencies

Actor Akshay Kumar, who plays a stuntmant in his upcoming movie 'Kambakkht Ishq' feels that the presence of Hollywood biggies in the film was not meant to create hype but "need" of the script. 

"I play a stuntman from Hollywood in the film and presence of these actors was essential. They were the need of the story to take my character forward in the film," Akshay said. 

"Sharing space with Hollywood action star Sylvester Stallone in the film was the most memorable experience. He told me about his knee problems and how he overcame his fear with heights to act in the movie 'Cliffhanger'," Akshay said. 

Hollywood stars Slyvester Stallone, Denise Richards, Brandon Routh and Holly Valance feature in important cameos in the film. 

Insisting that 'Kambakkht Ishq' was not an action film, Akshay said, "since I play a stuntman, there are two to three stunt scenes. I do stunts myself as I enjoy doing it." 

Recounting his near fatal encounter while shooting for his film titled 'Blue', the actor said, "I have performed a stunt sequences 150-feet under sea to fight with 40 sharks. I hit an iron rod and started bleeding in the head. But, I was taken up on the ship within 20 seconds and given treatment," adding it is sometimes very "scary". 

On whether he had any plans to head to Hollywood Akshay replied in negative and said, "I have brought Hollywood to Mumbai through 'Kambakkht Ishq'. I told actress Denise Richards that more people are going to watch her in a Bollywood film than her previous movies, because Indians are everywhere across the world." 

Referring to his previous two films- 'Chandni Chowk to China' and 'Tasveer 8x10', Akshay said he was proud of them. 

"But, I will be wrong if I say I don't feel the pressure to succeed on the eve of my new film's release.. no matter if your previous movie is a hit or a flop," he said. 

On his unbuttoning act at the Lakme Fashion week recently, Akshay said he had not done anything "wrong". 

"The controversy did not affect me. But, sales of the jeans has gone up," he said. 

"I am a firm believer that men are from Mars and women are from Heaven," he said. 

"I have just completed shooting for television show 'Fear Factor' featuring 13 women and 13 men and can vouch for the fact that women are more courageous and braver," he said. 

The actor, who is looking forward to his next release 'Kambakkht Ishq', plays a MCP in the film and the story is about how he is shown his true place by women. 

The actor plans to take a holiday break with his family and flying to New York. "We are going to see Disneyland," he said. 

Talking about his son, the actor said, "Aarav is a regular school boy and I want him to get a normal upbringing." 

"He is busy watching Tom and Jerry and does not follow my movies," Akshay said. 

To a question on whether he plans to set up a independent film production house like his contemporaries, Akshay said setting up a production house would need lot of time and attention and he had not given a thought to it because he has been busy shooting for his various projects.

Sugar Babes perform for Shilpa Shetty on her birthday

By Agencies

Bollywood bombshell Shilpa Shetty got a surprise of a life time on her 34th birthday when fiance Raj Kundra roped in none-other-than British girl band Sugar Babes for a surprise party. 

The actress who celebrated her birthday in London with Kundra, sister Shamita Shetty and a group of 55 friends also enjoyed an exclusive performance by 'Britain's Got Talent' sensations violinist group Escala. 

"Ok guys am a year older but like I always say I am like wine I get better with age, or at least that’s what I tell myself! Yesterday was such a fun day, don't know where to begin. Actually still reeling from the pleasant but shocking surprise party thrown by Raj," Shetty wrote in her blog. 

Shetty was set to have a quite dinner with her multi-millionaire boyfriend but was surprised when all her London friends who ignored her all day turned up at the Penthouse suite at Mayfair for celebrations. And the icing on the cake was the show put together by the Sugar Babes. 

"I nearly jumped out of my skin when I saw this girl band walk in They performed and everyone loved them, my jaw was still open from the shock but never mind that. It was amazing how Raj pulled it off all on his own and still managed to keep it a surprise, genius!," Shetty wrote. 

"On the whole it was definitely my best and most special birthday, it was perfect! I have only Raj and my Friends and Shamita to thank for that. Thanks to all those who have written in and wished me too...," the actress added.

Concerns over first flick on Mumbai attack suspect Kasab

By ANI

Bollywood is all set to release the first film based on the Mumbai terror attacks, but not everybody thinks it's just to showcase the horrific events while the lone suspect is still going under trial. 

Titled ''Total Ten'', the film tells the true story of Azam Amir Kasab, 21-the Pakistani national alleged to be the sole terrorist caught alive during the attacks in November. 

''Total Ten'' refers to the terrorists who attacked Mumbai. 

But many people have raised concerns that the low-budget film risks prejudicing Kasab's trial, as it ends with him being sentenced to death and hanged. 

Kasab is accused of 166 counts of murder and waging war against India. 

Abbas Kazmi, his lawyer and a terror case veteran, said that the film might shatter one of the highest-profile trials ever held in the country. 

"Any depiction of the attacks would jeopardise the proceedings," A news agency quoted him as saying. 

However, the filmmakers have shrugged off suggestions that they could prejudice the case, which is being heard before a judge without a jury. 

The film's producers want their film to be released as soon as possible, before it is beaten to the screen by one of at least 17 similar films that are in production. 

"We are only showing what was shown to the world by TV channels live. The best part is that we have a Kasab lookalike playing the role," said Sugath Kumar, one of the producers of ''Total Ten''. 

As the stakes in Kasab's trial are very high, legal experts have said that ''Total Ten'' is on very shaky ground. 

Majeed Memon, one of India's leading criminal lawyers, said: "A film likely to reflect on the character of an accused must be considered unjust." 

The police, on their part, seem unlikely to be swayed by the film's celebration of their heroics as the terror strike unfolded over 60 hours. 

Deven Bharti, a senior officer with the Mumbai Crime Branch, which assembled the case against Mr Kasab, said: "The film-makers have not contacted us to check any details. I doubt the portrayal of events is at all accurate. When the film comes before the censors we will look into the matter." 

However, it still remains to be seen whether the Indian public will flock to see recreations of scenes that were repeated endlessly on television and remain burnt into the minds of many.

Strike over, but clash of release dates daunts filmmakers

By Agencies

The Bollywood strike may have ended but trouble continues for filmmakers who fear losses with the back to back release of some mega budget movies, which may divide the audiences. 

More than 50 films with an estimated budget of over 1200 crore are lined up for release, after the two-month long strike between producers-distributors and multiplex owners ended on June 5. 

"After the end of the strike between multiplex owners and Bollywood producers, filmmakers are keen to sort out release dates of their movies as they don't want them hit theatres at the same time," said producer Vasu Bhagnani, whose film 'Kal Kissne Dekha' will release on June 12. It is the debut film of his son, Jackky Bhagnani. 

Yashraj films 'New York' is also ready to hit the theatres on June 26 but director Kabir Khan says, "The biggest problem for the filmmakers is to find proper dates. My film is ready to release for the past two months but the strike is definitely going to affect business," Khan added. 

The films that are lined up for release include Sajid Nadiadwala's 'Kambakkht Ishq', Vasu Bhagnani's 'Kal Kissne Dekha', Imtiaz Ali directed 'Love Aajkal', Yashraj Films' 'New York', Ramgopal Verma's horror flick 'Agyat', Sujoy Ghosh's 'Aladin', 'Blue', 'Mr and Mrs Khanna' and 'Luck'. 

With so many mega budget films ready to release it is a daunting task for filmmakers to find a date which will not clash with other movies. 

UTV is set to release Ramgopal Verma's horror flick on July 24. The filmmaker also has 'Raktcharitra' lined up for release though no date has been fixed. When asked about the clash of dates, Ram Gopal Verma said that the filmmakers will have to bear some losses now that the strike is over. 

The Bollywood producers-distributors went on a strike on April 4. The last film to release was Akshay Kumar's 'Tasveer'. 

UTV is also planning to announce the release dates of 'Kaminaay' and 'Aage Se Right' soon. Filmmaker Subhash Ghai said that his new film 'Paying Guest' will release on June 19. 

'Love Aaj Kal' director Imtiaz Ali said, "I am very happy that the strike has ended because after working hard and investing your money you do not want to sit back with a film. However, with so many big budget films releasing together, the industry is likely to face losses." 

Under the new agreement between producers-distributors and multiplex owners, producers will get 50 per cent of the revenue from ticket sales in week one, 42.5 per cent in week two, 37.5 per cent in week three and 30 per cent from fourth week onwards. In addition to this, there will be a bonus on all those films which do exceptionally well at the box office. 

In case a movie collects more than Rs.17.5 crore at the top six multiplex chains (excluding single screens and independent multiplexes), then the terms will be 52.5 per cent in the first week, 45 in the second, 37.5 in the third and 30 from the fourth week onwards.

Amitabh Bachchan's bald look in Balki's ‘Pa’

By BollywoodHungamaNewsNetwork

With summer at its peak, everyone almost goes for a crew cut or maybe a completely tonsured look. But one visit to the sets of Pa has a totally different story to tell and see. Everyone's ground fell apart when realised that the fully tonsured man (which also included his eyebrows!) was none other than Amitabh Bachchan...yes...you heard it right...the Legendary Amitabh Bachchan. And this look of his is not in tune with the summer and its heat. Instead this is how he will look like in his forthcoming film Pa which stars him alongwith beta Abhishek and Vidya Balan. 

‘Pa’ is being directed by the ad whiz R. Balakrishnan (popularly known as 'Balki') and who had earlier directed the Big B-Tabu starrer ‘Cheeni Kum’. Even though every minute detail of this film is being kept under strict wraps, rumors have it that the film is about a child who ages much faster than any normal child would do. If you thought that the adjoining picture of Big B took the daylights out of you, then, let us tell you that the real surprise of the film lies in the fact that Amitabh Bachchan plays Abhishek Bachchan and Vidya Balan's son in the film. 

News also has it that the shoot has been carried out swiftly in locations of Delhi, whereby, a team of highly qualified make up experts worked on Big B's look for a whopping 6 hours at a stretch! And the results are for everyone to see. Our repeated attempts to establish contact with Balki, the man of the moment, proved futile. 

All in all, this one surely seems to be one of Big B's highly anticipated films that everyone is going to look forward to this year.

Rani Mukherjee compares Sherlyn Chopra with Sophia Lauren

In a profession that witnesses ugly cat fights due to cut throat competition, Rani Mukherjee has taken the first step of complimenting a co-artist for her performance. She surprised Sherlyn Chopra, who has a major role to play in the yet untitled Yash Raj Films production, by not just lending her tips on how to face the camera but also comparing her with none other than Hollywood legend Sophia Lauren! 

The incident happened recently at BPCL Sports Club where the film, which stars Shahid Kapoor as the male lead, was being shot. Rani was in a particularly happy mood and showered praises on the girl who has not signed any other project than this Yash Raj film and is riding her luck on this single film.  She went ahead and called Sherlyn as a younger version of Hollywood legend Sophia Lauren. Since few years back, Bipasha Basu was compared with Sophia Lauren, Sherlyn was naturally ecstatic. 

"Sophia Lauren comparison? Well, all I can say is that I am humbled. I think Rani has been overtly nice, but hey, who doesn't like compliments? Being someone who is so mature and serious about her work, I sincerely hope that she really meant it when she said so. I would love to keep getting feedback and compliments from an actor of her stature", smiles Sherlyn. 

The 1934 born Sophia Loren is an Academy Award-winning Italian film actress. She is widely considered to be the most popular Italian actress of her time and is also famous for being a major international sex symbol. 

Moreover, for the shooting of a particular sequence, even though Rani Mukherjee was not required, she still hung around to see the way Sherlyn approached her scene. Informs a source, "Sherlyn didn't have any clue that Rani was watching her on the monitor, especially for her close up shots. She was engrossed in her performance and was later told by one of the production unit members that Rani was very interested in knowing how she was delivering." 

The 'bindaas' and 'outrageous' young woman is happy that she was oblivious of Rani's presence on the sets. 

"Thank goodness, that I came to know about it later because I would have been conscious had I known earlier that Rani was following what I was doing. You never know, I may not have delivered my natural best", says Sherlyn who is looking at reinventing her career while leaving the disappointment of Red Swastik (2007) behind. 

As per a source from the production unit, Rani was watching Sherlyn's close up shots with keen interest as she is apparently quite fond of her never ending desire to learn the nuances of the art of portraying emotions. In fact, Rani also gave her tips on how to face the camera and explained to her how important it is to know technical details of the varied camera lenses. 

"Sherlyn was glad that Rani was spending so much of quality time in discussing technical nuances with her", informs the source, "Sherlyn has done only a few films but Rani has been around for so long. She is a reigning star and for someone like her to spend time with her says volumes about her humbleness and professionalism. She was being a friend as well as a mentor, a good combination indeed. Who wouldn't want to learn from a senior actor like her?"

Source: BollywoodHungamaNewsNetwork.

Rahman to be awarded honorary degree by AMU

By Agencies

Oscar winner and noted music composer A R Rahman will be conferred with an honorary D.Lit degree by the Aligarh Muslim University at its annual convocation on June seven. 

Noted Urdu writer Prof Gopi Chand Narang will also be honoured on the occasion. Narang will be awarded the degree of honoris causa by the AMU. 

The Governor of West Bengal Gopalkrishna Gandhi will be the chief guest at the annual convocation of the Aligarh Muslim University, which will be held on June 7. 

The first person to be awarded the degree of honoris causa by the AMU after independence was the late Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru in 1948. He was followed by Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, the first Union Education Minister, in 1949. 

Pandit Govind Balabh Pant, first Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, and Sardar Ballabh Bhai Patel, Union Home Minister, were awarded this degree in 1950. 

Among the other recipients of the degree are noted scientist and noble laureate Sir Alexender Todd in 1960 and Dr S Radha Krishnan, the late President of India, in 1966.

Source: ScreenIndia.

I am a very irritating actor: Mithun Chakraborty

By Agencies

Mithun Chakraborty may have won millions of fans across the country with his endearing performances on screen but the actor feels that he can be very "irritating" to the directors as he asks too many questions. 

"I am very irritating actor. I keep on asking questions until I get satisfied with the answers because when you play a certain character you need to learn every aspect of it and it can be difficult for directors," Mithun said. 

The national award-winning actor was in the city to promote his upcoming film 'Zor Lagaa Ke...Haiya!' along with his son Mimoh. Mithun plays a vagrant in the movie. 

The film is based on the issue of deforestation in urban India and the actor considers it one of his most challenging performances. Mithun said that he decided to become the part of the film by debutante filmmaker Girish Girija Joshi because of its inherent message. 

"It touched my heart and despite being new Girish has made the film with great understanding. You really need a heart to make a movie like this at a time when people don't want to take risks," the actor said. 

The movie also stars seasoned actors like Seema Biswas, Mahesh Manjrekar, Sachin Khedekar, Gulshan Grover and Riya Sen apart from Mithun and five children. 'Zor Lagaa Ke...Haiya!' has won international awards like Silver Palm Award at Mexico International Film Fetival and Silver Remi Award at Houston Film Film Festival. 

The movie is expected to hit the theatres on June 12 depending upon the end of the stand off between Bollywood producers-distributors and multiplex owners. The story revolves around five children, who are involuntarily pitted against a mean looking beggar, played by Mithun, who lives in a small hut on a tree, outside their housing society. 

All is thrown off balance when a builder plans to cut the tree for making an access road. The children and the beggar unite to battle the money hungry builders. 

"I play a very interesting character, who has left his family to become a beggar because he does not want to compromise but these children teach him the need to change and adapt with time," said the actor. 

When asked whether 'The Murderer' will be Mimoh's relaunch, the actor said, "There is nothing like relaunch. He has been launched once and that's it. It is a different matter that the film did not work. But he has a long way to go." 

Mimoh made his debut in the industry with 'Jimmy' last year but the film did not do well at the box office.  However, Mithun is confident about his son's future and hopes to star with him soon. 

"You will see both of us in a film soon. We have some scripts in mind but it would not see us as father-son because ultimately we are actors," Mithun said. 

Asked about his plans to team up with Amitabh Bachchan after a long time, the actor said, "There is still a question mark on it. I like the idea but he (Vivek Sharma) has to come up with the script. So, let us see what happens."

Source: Screen India.

Racial attacks in Australia ‘most disturbing’: Aamir Khan

By Agencies

After Amitabh Bachchan, actor Aamir Khan too has condemned the racial attacks on Indian students in Australia terming them a "shame". 

"Most disturbing to hear about racist attacks on Indians living in Australia. Quite a shame," Aamir wrote in his blog.  The actor called for immediate action from Australian authorities to stop the attacks. 

"While this doesn't mean that all Australians are racists, the frequency and seriousness of such attacks, I think, calls for an extra ordinary reaction from the Australian authorities." 

Aamir, who has been actively involved with 'Atithi Devo Bhava' campaign by Indian government, also reminded fans about their responsibility to protect foreign tourists in India. 

"And while we want action to be taken by authorities in Australia, equally we should remember all the various crimes against foreigners who visit India," the actor said adding, "Let us hope and pray that Shravan recovers soon." 

Bachchan had reacted to the attacks on Indian students by rejecting an honorary doctorate offered to him by Queensland University of technology in Brisbane. 

"I mean no disrespect to the institution that honors me but under the present circumstances where citizens of my own country are subjected to such acts of inhuman horror, my conscience does not permit me to accept this decoration that perpetrates such indignity to my countrymen," Bachchan wrote in his blog recently.

Source: ScreenIndia.

Direction takes backseat for Subhash Ghai

By Agencies

Direction has taken a backseat for filmaker Subhash Ghai, who is busy multi-tasking and in ushering corporate governance in his production house, 'Mukta Arts'. 

"From 1975 to 2000, I played my innings well as a writer, producer and director. Then I decided to shift to education and brought corporate governance in 'Mukta Arts', which is also the first film company to be listed on the BSE," Ghai said. 

He said, since 2001, he was focusing on laying the foundations of his film school 'Whistling Woods International' (WWI) from which 400 aspiring filmmakers pass out every year. 

"Having played my innings, I felt it was time for me to give back to the industry. I thought I should encourage new talent industry and hence I established WWI," Ghai said. 

Ghai, who started his career as an actor with a miniscule role in Shakti Samantha's classic 'Aradhana', went on to blockbusters like 'Kaalicharan', 'Karz', 'Hero', 'Khalnayak', 'Pardes'and 'Taal'. 

He said 'Mukta Arts' had grown on strong foundations and has been able to withstand all pressures and challenges including the economic slowdown. 

"We have pioneered concepts like insuring films, setting up a state of the art school for grooming young talent and are also in the process of diversifying into television," he said. 

Besides, we are planning to expand the film school in three states and are also in talks with the governments in USA, UK and Dubai in it.  WWI will commence academic program enhancements in its Animation Department beginning with July this session, he said. 

The filmmaker advised individual producers to imbibe corporate governance and adopt new business models. 

"It is no use remaining just a proprietor", he said.

Source: ScreenIndia.

Big B turns down honorary doctorate by Oz university

By Agencies

Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan has reacted to racial attacks on Indian students in Australia by rejecting an honorary doctorate offered to him by an Australian university. 

The Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane had offered the 66-year-old veteran a doctorate for his contribution to the world of entertainment and Bachchan had earlier accepted the title.  The honour was to be conferred on the star in July as a part of celebrations to commemorate a retrospective of his films to be inaugurated in the city. 

"I have been witnessing with great dismay and shock, the recent violent attacks on Indian students in Australia, on the electronic media the entire day," Bachchan wrote on his blog. 

"I mean no disrespect to the Institution that honours me, but under the present circumstances, where citizens of my own country are subjected to such acts of inhuman horror, my conscience does not permit me to accept this decoration from a country that perpetrates such indignity to my fellow countrymen," he added. 

Australia has recently seen a series of attacks on Indian students, the most serious being the assault of Shravan Kumar, a 25-year-old student from Andhra Pradesh who is battling for life in a hospital here after being stabbed by a screwdriver by a group of teens in a weekend attack that also left three of his friends injured.

Source: ScreenIndia.

Kareena’s footwear fetish

By EXPRESS FEATURES SERVICE

A lot of your personality is revealed through the kind of footwear that you wear. No wonder Kareena Kapoor is very particular about her footwear. We hear that she sticks to YSL and Christian Louboutin. 

The slippers that she wears at home are from Hermes. Kareena bought six pairs of slippers of the same pattern from Hermes recently. “Kareena likes to have the same slippers but in different colours,” says a friend of hers. 

Looks like Kareena’s gearing up to do a bit of foot flirting.

Source: Screen India.