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ANOTHER NATIONAL AWARD IN WAITING FOR AJAY

When a maker of a film like 'Damul' produced 'Dil Kya Kare' some years back, many wondered what he was up to. He teamed up with Ajay Devgan in that film to ride on the emotional saga, but failed. Next, he attempted to read on child psychology in Subhash Ghai's 'Rahul' and the result was no different. And, then came 'Gangajal'. Director Prakash Jha was reborn as a filmmaker who turned out to be a prolific one ready to take up a head on competition with those commercial film makers who had tagged him as an art film director. In 'Gangajal', Prakash has found a new formula for success. He digged deep in his roots and came out with the ideas that were contemporary and yet loaded with all the commercial vignettes.

In Ajay Devgan, Prakash had already found a protagonist who was out there to support his crusade against the stereotype. This twosome team now strikes back in yet another contemporary and gripping 'Apaharan' (kidnapping). Son of a farmer from the least developed state of country ( Bihar), Prakash Jha has seen all this through his life. In Bihar, the kidnapping has become some sort of an industry. Mavericks of the crime world rule there and even the brightest students around have nothing to do but to fall a prey to their power, glamour and publicity gimmicks. This is the new India, a country that is dreaming to be the next super power in coming years. With a state like this as shown in 'Apaharan', it seems to be very harsh to even think of that? Thinkers, makers and believers of the new India, however, need to watch 'Apaharan' before making any new policy.

Let us return to our film 'Apaharan' and see how it works as a film in theatre. 'Apaharan' tells the story of today's youth who have a lot of dreams and yet no path to go. It has almost been three decades since the J.P. movement ( anti-establishment) gathered momentum and many films were made on the theme of the misguided youth. Maniratnam's 'Yuva' was the last one in the chain. 'Apaharan' dares to be different from its predecessors for the reason that it does not try to copy them. The plot may seem very similar to the clash between a duty bound father and a vagabond son in 'Shakti' , but the similarity just ends there. The ideal father Professor Raghuvansh Shastri (Mohan Agashe) here is a courageous and conscientious citizen, but somewhere in the process while sticking to rules he loses a father's emotions. His son Ajay Shastri (Ajay Devgan) has grown up with his father.

He too wants to become a great man. He makes efforts to succeed in a system where the powerful control everything . Ajay Shastri is soon fed up with idealism and chooses a path that takes him to meet Tabrez (a character loosely based on real life don-turned-politician Shahabuddin). Tabrez is a government in himself. He builds schools, cares for downtrodden, but he is a man in white with a heart of darkness. In the name of God, he can justify any act, holy or unholy. He is never afraid to play the dangerous game. For Ajay, this is a revelation. A system without a system and still more effective and functional than the system! Ajay's illusions seem to come true in this new set up. However, he sees the light on this dark path of crime and cruelty; there is a beautiful light in his life, Megha (Bipasha Basu). She loves Ajay and though their worlds are poles apart , she still cares for him and thinks positive about him. To compete in love, care, calmness of Bips is Sonia (Cleo Issacs).

Prakash Jha has made a film that can open eyes of those who vouch for realistic and rustic films. Even a Ram Gopal Verma should sit and watch this film for its realism. Verma has made many films on a world of crime while Jha attempts to can a world that is often seen and felt; politicians turning criminals and criminals becoming politicians. Jails have become hideouts for the mafia and the latter rules the world from within these safe boundaries whereas commoners are on the roads, so vulnerable, so unsafe and so easy to be made targes.

Prakash Jha succeeds in painting Bihar as a true jungle . Had the film been released amidst the very recent Bihar polls, it would have been labeled as a saffron attempt to malign the Laloo regime. Thank you, Prakash Jha for making such a film that should be an eye opener to many not only in the film industry but also in the present system as well. Jha has got immense support from his crew in this film and Wayne Sharp tops the list for very eccentric and groovy background music. Arvind K matches him in creating so realistic scenes on screen with camera.

Among actors , for Ajay Devgan, 'Apaharan' could be yet another national award in waiting. He has given a performance that will upset many in the filmdom. Ajay may not be a blue-eyed boy of big banners, but he has made a place for himself with his intense, in-depth and in line acting. As Ajay Shashtri, he fits the bill and it is because of him that the film looks so realistic.

His adapting the accent of an educated Bihari is marvelous and even his body language goes too well with the character. Bipasha Basu does not have much to do but yet she shows her natural beauty for the first time on screen; she looks better without make-up. And last but not the least, Nana Patekar is the main catalyst of the film. The movie moves ahead because of him only. In Tabrez, Nana has got a new life for his career. On the whole, it's a good entertainer with a thought process running as undercurrent. Carry on Prakash, this country needs more filmmakers like you.

KYONKI, EVERYBODY LOVES SALMAN

Bollywood has put on offer its Deepawali bonanza for its viewers. Three big budget movies lock horns at box office this week and for the first time not on Friday but on Wednesday. The producers in their effort to end the lull for cash registers have released their films in the month of Ramadan and just one day after Deepawali. People are in a festive mood for post-Deepawali celebrations that will reach at its peak after two days on Eid.

Salman Khan wishes his fans a happy Deepawali and Eid Mubaraq in a film that sees him in a transformed form from a lover boy to a passionate man. Salman who played an insane in 'Tere Naam' never looked back. He delivered a hit in 'Mujhse Shaadi Karogi' and completed a hat trick -- with this year's releases 'Maine Pyar Kyun Kiya' and 'No Entry'. The spoilt brat of Bollywood has become a man with the Midas touch.

His popularity has remained intact even controversies surrounding him. With his Mukesh Talreja and Sunil Manchanda produced 'Kyonki' comes the news that showman Subhash Ghai has signed him for a movie to start next year. 'Kyonki' takes inspiration from yesteryears' 'Khamoshi'. Kareena Kapoor for the first time pairs with Salman Khan in this film, and the pair looks perfect for the story, which Salman carries on his shoulders very aptly.

Salman Khan plays Anand in 'Kyonki'. He falls in love with Maya (Rimmi Sen) at first sight. He follows her wherever she goes and in this search for his love, he finds out that Maya is an orphan and is destined to be a nun. Salman confronts the Father of the church but Maya doesn't bend and Anand's efforts to woo her go in vain. Anand decides to end his life by immolating himself at the roof of the church. This changes Maya completely and she accepts Anand's love.

Maya keeps on playing pranks with him. At last, Anand doesn't take her seriously and loses her love. The incident shocks him and he lands in a mental hospital. Anand is declared insane but his noble deeds help him. The hospital is run by Dr. Khurana (Om Puri). Dr. Sunil (Jackie Shroff) recognizes Anand and wants to make him fit. He gets help from Dr. Tanvi (Kareena Kapoor) in this task. Meanwhile, Tanvi falls in love with him.

Anand regains his memory and walks out of the hospital. However, Dr Khurana would never accept his daughter getting married to a man who has been alleged to be a murderer of his wife in the past. Dr. Khurana decides to make Anand insane again with his maltreatment. But Dr. Sunil decides to do something very different. He wants to set Anand free from the clutches of Dr. Khurana. He tries to set Anand free from the cruel world. This changes life of Dr. Tanvi, Kyonki (because) every one does not get love in exchange for love in life.

Salman Khan's latest release 'Kyonki' comes at a time when he is riding high on success. He has never been in such a demand in the past. He has forgotten the bitter personal experience of life and has decided to move ahead. 'Kyonki' moves him forward from where 'Tere Naam' had left him. The film has opened to full house across the country and it's Salman's persona that has brought in such a good initial for the film. Salman Khan playing Anand sometimes as an insane in a mental hospital and sometimes as a lovable man chasing his love girl, looks attractive.

'Kyonki' would have never been a film like this minus Salman. 'Kyonki' may fall short of people's expectations because of its offbeat treatment and shockingly depressive end. However, it moves on smoothly with narration. Kareena Kapoor has played her role beautifully. The role of Dr. Tanvi required a mature look and somber acting; Kareena has passed this test successfully. Jackie Shroff teams up again with Salman after 'Bandhan' that too was a hit. Om Puri plays a villain after long in a Hindi film. Rimmi Sen in a short role leaves an impression. Other actors like Manoj Joshi and Asrani support the film well.

'Kyonki' is weak in screenplay and dialogues. If Priyadarshan takes too long to unfold the story in the film's screenplay, it's Sanjay Chhel who is to blame for his ordinary dialogues for an extraordinary story. But other technical departments have excelled. Thiru tops the list as a cinematographer. He has captured nature's beauty with all its charm and charisma on screen. Next in the list is the pair of lyricist Sameer and Himesh Reshammiya who has again emerged winner with the hit song of the season, "Kyonki Itna Pyaar Tumko Karte Hain Hum". On the whole, 'Kyonki' has got good initial and with the help of devoted Salman fans it will manage to sail through the box office. Had the treatment been a bit more gripping it would have come out with extraordinary results?

KAREENA ON HER 'DOSTI'

Kareena Kapoor starrer 'Dosti-Friends Forever' is releasing this Friday , December 23rd. Kareena is repeating in this movie with Akshay Kumar and Bobby Deol, her costars in the recently released 'Ajnabee' besides others. So, 'Dosti' is indeed a movie based on relationship between friends. Whether her friendship with her costars is confined to movies or personal life can be anybody's guess.

However, Kareena is frank enough to clarify her definition of friendship. She talks with the media about each and every aspect relating to "Dosti", the movie as well the friendship in general. During the chat, she makes a clear distinction between her friendship with her love interest Shaahid Kapoor and her costars. Friendship cannot be defined; it can be felt only. Besides, it's friendship, nothing more or less, she avers.

What's 'Dosti' all about?

'Dosti' is an emotional drama. Its director Sunil Darshan is very well versed with such a concept. The story of the movie pinpoints that friendship is a deeper relationship than that of blood.

What's your role in 'Dosti'?

My role in 'Dosti' very interesting. However, I shall not like to divulge it at this juncture. You may better wait to watch it on the screen.

Do you practice "Dosti" in your real life?

Yes, I believe in friendship, and my friends mean a lot for me.

What's the main ingredient of friendship?

Friendship thrives on frankness. Friends need to be frank.

Does friendship travel beyond blood relationship?

Both are separate. I don't mix them. When I am a friend, I keep my profession away.

Going back to movies, hasn't your friendship brought your 'Ajnabee' costars back in 'Dosti'?

Both Akshay Kumar and Bobby Deol from 'Ajnabee' are good actors. We gel with each other very well. However, in 'Dosti', I play opposite Akshay. Since my pairing with him in 'Aitraaz', 'Ajnabee' 'Talaash' and 'Bewafa' has been appreciated, I am hopeful of the same response this time round.

How do you experience working with director Sunil Darshan?

I have been watching Sunil Darshan for long since my sister Karisma acted in his movies. I have a good tuning too with him. He is one of my closest directors.

Can we take your tuning with Sunil as your "dosti" with him?

No, it cannot be called "dosti". This is different.

What about your dosti with Shaahid Kapoor?

Yes, everyone knows about my relationship with Shaahid. This is indeed quite different. We have an altogether different relationship.

How do you distinguish between friendship and love?

This cannot be defined; it can be felt only.

Can't there be friendship between heroines?

Yes, but that is a professional relationship.

What's the difference between professional and personal relationship?

Personal relationship has no ups and downs whereas professional undergoes changes either way.

Do you have professional relationship with heroines? If so, can you name them?

Yes, I am friendly with many heroines, but I wouldn't name them.

Karishma launches book in Capital.

The most glamorous new actress- mother Karishma Kapoor launched Delhi-based psychologist Shefali Tsabary's book

Chocolatey Kareena 'n' Lux celebrates 75 years of stardom.

For those who are beauty conscious and want to give a chocolatey treat to their skin to make it look soft and beautiful, there is no better option then trying the new range of Lux soap. India's first chocolate soap with rich cocoa cream and strawberry vitamins was recently unveiled by ravishing Kareena Kapoor in Mumbai.

After the overwhelming success of the 'Har Star Lucky Star' promotion to mark the completion of platinum jubilee in India, Lux Celebration Range is the unique offer by Lux to its consumers.

Gorgeous Kareena Kapoor, who too is a brand ambassadors for this soap after her mother and sister, Karishma, feels proud to be associated with it and even enjoyed the shoots.

The Lux Celebration Range is a set of three exclusive variants- Aromatic Glow, Chocolate Seduction and Lux White Spa body wash containing exotic ingredients which have never been seen in the Indian markets before.

Lux, one of the most trusted brands has been taken from the word 'luxury'and was launched in 1929 in India and is celebrating its 75 years of stardom in the country.

Lisa Ray unveils rado couple jublie edition range.

Model-turned-actress Lisa Ray unveiled the Rado Couple Jublie limited edition range recently in Delhi. Three years ago Ray was voted as star of the future at the Toronto International Film Festival for her lively performance in Deepa Mehta's film 'Bollywood Hollywood'. And once again, Ray has been casted in her forthcoming film 'Water'.

A self-described gypsy, Ray who grew up in Canada surprised everyone by putting her thriving film career on hold. But now, she has two English movies 'Quarterlife Crisis' and 'Seeking Fear' in the pipeline.

Ajay Bought Maserati

New car Maserati was launched by National Garage in Mumbai. Thier first customer, Ajay Devgan came to recieve his car on this occasion.

Salman Launches Restaurant

Salman Khan sporting the bald look made a dashing entry on Tusday night at the latest eatery China White located in Bandra. The party was hosted by the owner Mustafa Eisa and his beautiful wife Rukhsana Eisa. Besides Salman Khan, Yash Birla, Rahul Khanna, Pooja Bedi, Suman Rangnathan, Aashis Raheja, Padmini and Tejaswani Kolhapure attended this bash. Salman came in his red sports bike and then went in his car.Salman抯 sister Alvira and his husband Sunil Agnihotri too were at this new eatery launch.

Amisha's excellent sense of style

Amisha Patel is known for excellence in her sense of style besides her acting in movies and immaculate dress. Recently, Louis Vuitton designer Marc Jacobs chose her for sporting his bag brand.

Sush is all round gainer

Sushmita Sen is too happy these days; she has a daughter and boyfriend and has entered film production too besides playing some coveted movie roles. Yes, she will soon own a restaurant and a nightclub in her hometown Kolkata. But this isn't all. Most significant is that Sush will play opposite Hollywood star Richard Gere in their forthcoming movie. Richard Gere is playing emperor Ashok in 'The Great Emperor' and Sush will play Indian Cleopatra in it.

Rani returns with Sallu

Among Bollywood, actresses Rani Mukherjee is on the top these days. She is ranked Number one in the industry, especially after her excellent performances as a blind girl in 'Black' and as a chirpy actress in 'Bunty Aur Babli'. This Khandala girl will soon return to act with Salman Khan. She has had in the past with Sallu several movies like 'Hallo Brother', Chori Chori Chupke Chupke' and 'Har Dil Pyaar Karega'.

Rani Mukherjee


Salman Khan

Lisa Ray may return

Actress Lisa Ray is reported to be having second thought on her decision to quit Bollywood for good. She is likely to return to Bollywood following international appreciation of her performance in Deepa Mehta's 'Water', according to sources close to her family. The actress has been a successful model before entering films, but soon got disappointed with the tinsel world and left for London to join performing arts there.

Getting into Salman's hair!

Right from his Maine Pyaar Kiya days to his recent Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, Salman Khan has always been a hairstyle trendsetter.
As he takes on a different look in his forthcoming movie, Jaan-e-man, rediff.com takes a look at his changing hairdo.

Maine Pyaar Kiya
The only thing people remember of the 1988 movie Biwi Ho To Aisi is Rekha trying to outsmart her mother-in-law Bindu. Salman went largely unnoticed in his debut role but his next, Maine Pyar Kiya, changed that. And how!The Sooraj Barjatya movie made Salman a superstar overnight. And he became a style icon for the Indian youth.His fluffy hair falling sloppily on his face became a rage.Suddenly, his rising fame posed a threat to the existing chocolate hero, Aamir Khan.

Saajan
If Salman was a threat to Aamir, then Rahul Roy was a bigger one to Salman, after Roy's debut film, Aashiqui, became a hit in 1990.Roy's straight, long tresses were unique, and soon, college boys started wearing similar looks.No wonder then, a year later, we saw Salman and Sanjay Dutt both sporting straight, long hair in Saajan.But while Dutt held onto this style for a while, Salman returned to his original look after this film.

Tere Naam
For a decade, Salman sported a consistent look. And then, his hair started receding.That's when Salman decided a change of hairstyle was in order. Tere Naam saw him with long hair -- albeit in a different style -- and worked as well as the movie.

Mujhse Shaadi Karogi
After the success of Tere Naam, Salman opted for hair weaving for his new film, Mujhse Shaadi Karogi.
He wore his hair shorter than Tere Naam, and it made him look young and trendy.The film worked, the hairstyle worked, but unfortunately for Salman, co-star Akshay Kumar worked the best.

Jaan-e-man
Jaan-e-man, directed by newcomer Shirish Kunder- better known as choreographer-turned-director Farah Khan's husband-is a much-awaited film this year.And, Salman sports a bald look in the film.Of course, one really cannot tell whether it is intentional or just a hair-weaving session gone bad.Will the new look work? We will have to wait for the answer.

No Hollywood for me, asserts Shah Rukh

Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan has said he would prefer making good films in India rather than going to Hollywood.
"It's better to rule in hell than to serve in heaven," he said in an interview to Aaj Tak's Seedhi Baat.

"Even if Hollywood is considered heaven. I think they also make films as we do. I would rather make a good film here than to go to Hollywood."

Asked why Indian actors always aspire to go to Hollywood, he says it does not make sense to him.

To a question about Indian films failing to win awards like Oscar and Golden Globe, Shah Rukh said: "The Jury there has a mindset and we need to understand that mindset if we want to win awards. It is high time we win awards there."

"Like we get foreign coaches to train Indian players, we should get some consultants who can share their thoughts on what kind of movies can win awards," he said.

The Baadshah of Bollywood feels he has matured and mellowed down over the years.

"I have mellowed down over the years, especially in my acting. When a person is young, he is impatient, and wants to do too many things at one go."

"But over the years, almost 15 years and 50 films, I don't try to do too many things at one go. I have definitely mellowed down and I can see it in my performance that I have matured," the actor said.  

Dino抯 time starts now

Dino Morea has been lying low for quite some time now. But he抯 all set to bounce back with three films and -- you could call this a coincidence -- the films in question will be spread over three consecutive weeks. Aksar is slated for February 3 release, followed by Holiday on February 10 [Valentine抯 Day] and FIGHT CLUB on February 17. 揑 am nervous,

Priyanka is SaReGaMaPa's R-Day special

Priyanka Chopra is the latest Bollywood celebrity to appear on the popular television show SaReGaMaPa. For the Republic Day special, Priyanka was rushed from Delhi to shoot this special episode.
An ardent fan of the show, she just had to be there when they asked her to. Talking about judging the contestants, she said that it was very difficult to do so since all of them were so talented. Priyanka has already made an appearance on the show for a baap beti special. The Republic Day episode will be aired on Thursday.

Nana Patekar inaugurates Suresh Wadkar抯 school

Nana Patekar inaugurated singer Suresh Wadkar抯 ambitious project -- an educational institution by the name of Ajivasan Cambridge International School -- on January 16 at Ajivasan Education Complex, next to SNDT College, Santacruz [W.], Mumbai.  

Vivek`s triple role in Unns

The audience will be treated to something unique in the upcoming film Unns. Actor Vivek Shauq will be playing not one, not two but three different characters in the film! We spoke to the director Bhupender Gupta who confirmed this. One is a Bengali character named Gaurav Chatterjee. The second is that of a Maharaj i.e. a cook. And the third character is that of a typical Maharashtrian guy. A great opportunity for him to display his acting skills!  

SRK to strike again with Chak De

Though 2005 didn抰 see much of Shahrukh Khan except in Paheli and a couple of guest appearances, the king has some really big films lined up for this year.
He has just finished his shoot for Karan Johar's Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna, which might possibly be released in the month of July. He is starting his shoot for Farhan Akhtar's Don very soon. According to him, it is one of the best screenplays he has ever come across. Subsequently, he will be shooting for Farah Khan's Happy New Year in the month of August. The film is going to be his home production. Shah Rukh is also doing a film with director Shimit Amin of Ab Tak Chhappan fame. The film is tentatively titled Chak De and its story is based on the Indian Hockey Team.

Doing all these life-size movies with some extraordinarily talented directors being in charge, the King Khan seems to be all set to reclaim his throne of the ultimate king of Bollywood in 2006.

Sushmita Sen - Hurt & angry

The release of Kalpana Lajmi's eagerly-awaited Chingari has been postponed from December to January. It may be pushed further.
"I don't know when I'll be able to release my film